BOWIE, Md. (AP) Maryland authorities are investigating an apparent swatting incident in which a caller made a hoax report that Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Leonard G. Pitts Jr., may have committed a crime at his home.

Pitts Jr. told The Miami Herald he was awoken Sunday morning by Bowie Police who said theyd received a 911 call someone was being murdered in the home.

Pitts says he was told to exit the house and was ordered to his knees and handcuffed. Police searched the home and found no danger.

Bowie Police Chief John Nesky says hes not prepared to call it swatting yet.

Pitts writes a column for the Miami Herald that runs nationally and often touches on controversial issues. Pitts says he doesnt know if thats why someone made the fake report.