PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla (CBS12) — Social media can be a valuable tool for staying informed, but local law enforcement agencies say misinformation can create real-world consequences when information is shared before it’s confirmed.

That’s why the Port St. Lucie Police Department and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office are reminding residents to rely on official sources during emergencies after a post about an active shooting circulated on social media Thursday morning.

Reports of a shooting near Walton Road and U.S. 1 quickly spread online. Authorities later clarified there was no active threat. Instead, the activity was connected to a law enforcement operation in a nearby neighborhood. Police said residents who believed they heard gunshots were actually hearing flash-bang devices used during a SWAT operation.

Related article: Police dispel active shooter rumor in Port St. Lucie after SWAT operation

Among those sharing information was SLC Scanner, a Facebook page with more than 163,000 followers that many Treasure Coast residents rely on for real-time updates about crime, traffic and public safety.

The page is run by Dan Toback, who accepts information submitted by followers.

When asked why the information was posted before it was verified, Toback acknowledged the page could have done more before sharing it.

“I’m a local business owner that sponsors the page. It’s ran by the community. We felt like we should have shared that like we did, but I think we could have done a better job,” he said.

Toback said the report came from a follower who believed they heard gunshots. He later learned the sounds were flash-bangs used during the SWAT operation.

“We constantly have this weight on us of valuing their opinion as neighbors, but also being able to put out responsible information. We certainly don’t want to pull on the resources of law enforcement,” Toback said.

Toback said his team works to balance sharing community concerns with being responsible about the information it publishes. He also pointed out that SLC Scanner is not a news organization or an official government source.

He said the page includes a disclaimer at the top stating that it does not ‘fact-check or verify the information provided.’

“We’re just your neighbor reporting what’s going on. You know, in terms of sent in by a fan (SIBAF) and being sent in to us to keep you informed — unfiltered,” he said.

Neither law enforcement agency identified a specific source of the misinformation.