False hostage call rattles Northeast Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — After eight hours of waiting and standing off outside a house in Northeast Columbia, Richland County deputies say the whole thing was based off of a fake hostage phone call. Officials say the alleged victim made a call early this morning, and Richland County deputies responded at 1 a.m. Saturday to Fawnhill Court, which is in the Ashley Ridge Subdivision in The Summit. Officials originally said a woman was being held by her common law husband. The resident inside the home allowed the deputies to come in and inspect the house and found nothing supporting the supposed hostage situation. Deputies say they are now looking for the person who made the call. Officials want to pursue a charge of filing a false report.