“SWATTING” HOAX LEADS TO FELONY CHARGE FOR CRESTVIEW TEEN

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Apr 22 2019 7:24 AM

A 13-year old Crestview resident is charged with a felony after taking part in a hoax phone call reporting he had shot his mother twice and was going to kill himself.

The call came in to the Crestview Police Department’s non-emergency line around 10:30 this morning. Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office units responded and set up a perimeter around the residence on Sharon Avenue. The OCSO Special Response Team was called to the scene after deputies were unable to establish contact or see inside the home. They made entry and found no one there.

An investigation determined all related parties to the teen were alive and well. Contact was ultimately made with the 13-year old. He admitted taking part in the false report, which had resulted in a tremendous waste of law enforcement time and resources.

He is charged with making a false report concerning the use of a firearm in a violent felony. This type of hoax is typically referred to as “swatting” because it often leads to the involvement of a SWAT or Special Response Team.

The investigation is ongoing.

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