My guess: Either the sniper or someone who knows who the sniper is -- called the Ponderosa and left a message, saying he wanted to talk on the phone to the Chief of Police of Ashland (what is his name?) And he left a phone number saying, he'd know when to call this number, after they announce during a news conference today when they have the phone line set up and ready to receive his call. Also, for the police to validate to him that the Chief of Police of Ashland will be the one answering -- by mentioning his name during the news conference.
How does that sound?
Possible, but risky for the party that set it up.