We all know what good social media can do in times of an emergency.
Notifying about weather alerts, Amber Alerts or to shelter in your home are imperative aspects that could possibly save someone’s life.
Social media can also create panic at times when incorrect information spreads.
Late Tuesday evening on October 21, 2025 a post was made in Alderville Roads Report.
Around 10 p.m. there was a post stating, “Did anyone else just hear 4 gun shots close to 45?”
Moments later another person posted, “6 cruisers by monument right now, they’re firing gunshots.”
Can you imagine the panic this would cause living in the area. Or if you have relatives in the area.
Another person posted, “Cops just flew past my place.”
Then, “anonymous member keep everything locked up. No idea if they’re still on the run out there.”
And finally, the anonymous member says, “one male in custody at this time. Everything else unknown.”
The only thing that was true in this series of posts was that one person was in custody. But it wasn’t for anything related to a firearm offence or shots fired by police or anyone else.
This causes fear, panic for absolutely no reason.
If there was something where there was immediacy in getting the word out OPP have assured Today’s Northumberland that an alert would be issued.
There was a increased presence in the area due to an investigation that didn’t involve firearms.
Some people have scanners which can sometimes be illegal.
But they have to take great respect in having them.
It’s not the first out the door with information. It’s not the number of clicks you get that counts.
It’s checking your source and verifying what you hear.
Issuing information under an “anonymous” name says a lot about the individual providing it.
Information released last night surely caused panic to people in the area, if not beyond that area.
Another person texted a friend, that two people were “shotting (shooting) at the cops,” which again was totally untrue.
Shortly after Northumberland OPP issued a release about the misinformation some of the posts have been removed.
But it must have been a long night for those affected by the posts.
Removing the post may be simple, but it likely won’t help what people went through after initially reading what they did.
Social media can be a blessing and a curse.
It’s all in how you use it.
The unfortunate part – it likely will happen again.
As the old adage states, “don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story.”
Breaking News – Northumberland OPP – Clarifying Misinformation Online Regarding “Shooting”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
