The Associated Press
LAS CRUCES, N.M.- Rumors of shootings have been spreading around Las Cruces, but authorities say they are not true.
Emergency dispatchers were kept busy Monday and residents remained on alert as the rumors circulated.
The rumors came in the wake of an anonymous letter threatening random shootings if a substantial amount of money was not paid by city officials.
The letter delivered Friday was the second received by the city in recent weeks.
The letters prompted city officials to hold an emergency news conference asking residents to be vigilant.
News of the threat generated confusion and false reports of shootings Monday despite a relatively calm weekend.