Gang Killings A Hoax

Wal-Mart shoppers can continue with their browsing; this gang initiation threat is nothing but a hoax.

The Highlands County Sheriff's Office and Sebring Police Department are working to squash a rumor that new gang members would have to kill a Wal-Mart customer as part of their initiation. This hoax has spread like wildfire throughout the county because of mass e-mails and text messages, according to a sheriff's office press release.

"The sheriff's office and the schools have been deluged with calls," said Lt. Tim Lethbridge, with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office. "There are news articles popping up all over the country."

This particular urban legend appears to have originated in Memphis, Tenn., in 2005. Lethbridge said it has been spreading all over the country, with similar threats being made in Kentucky, Delaware, Dallas and Pennsylvania.

Lethbridge said he first heard of the hoax reaching Highlands County Thursday morning.

No one knows why it suddenly popped up on the local radar but local parents have gotten concerned.

"Somehow, it's spread like wildfire throughout the schools now," said Lt. Kenny Johnson, with the sheriff's office.

Johnson said parents have been going to schools to check up on their children.

South Florida authorities were busy trying to stop the same rumor Wednesday.

"These hoaxes and urban legends have been around forever," said Jim Leljedal, spokesman for the Broward County Sheriff's Office. "Now, with the Internet, they seem to travel with lightning speed."

For Highlands County residents, it bears repeating: This threat is not real.

"We are not aware of any legitimate information," Lethbridge added.