Tag:

Swatting

Students Shelter In Place During 'Swatting' Incident At Westport School, Police Say Students Shelter In Place During 'Swatting' Incident At Westport School, Police Say
Students Shelter In Place During 'Swatting' Incident At Westport School, Police Say Police in Connecticut rushed to an elementary school and students were ordered to stay in place after they learned of a threatening message sent through a Veterans Suicide Hotline on Friday, Dec. 13.  Police rushed to Greens Farms Elementary School in Westport just before 1:15 p.m. after learning of the threat. It was soon suspected to be a case of "swatting," a tactic where false reports are made to prompt large-scale emergency responses. Several other schools across the state received the same text, Westport Police said. Officials did not disclose what the threat said.…
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet selections and administrative appointees were the targets threats the last two days, a spokesperson said, calling the acts "violent" and "un-American." According to a statement by the Trump-Vance Transition Team on Wednesday, Nov. 27, several individuals associated with the incoming administration were subjected to threats ranging from bomb scares to "swatting" incidents, in which false reports are made to dispatch emergency responders to someone's location. Law enforcement responded swiftly to ensure the safety of those targeted, the team s…
'Welcome To Florida!' Sheriff Mocks Guttenberg Swatting Caller Sentenced To Prison 'Welcome To Florida!' Sheriff Mocks Guttenberg Swatting Caller Sentenced To Prison
'Welcome To Florida!' Sheriff Mocks Guttenberg Swatting Caller Sentenced To Prison A New Jersey man who made swatting calls to a Florida high school got more than his 15 minutes of fame: Two years behind bars. Brad Parga, of Guttenberg, who was 17 years old when he called in threats from the Garden State to Milton High School in Santa Rosa County on Feb. 14, 2022, said his reason for doing so was "to get on the news." On Nov. 14, 2024, Parga was sentenced to two years in the Florida Department of Corrections followed by three years of probation — and Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson didn’t miss the opportunity to give the cheeky update. "You know I'm about gran…
Police Respond To Threat At Danbury Fair Mall Police Respond To Threat At Danbury Fair Mall
Police Respond To Threat At Danbury Fair Mall Police responded to a threat involving a popular mall in Connecticut. It happened late Sunday afternoon, Oct. 6 in Fairfield County at the Danbury Fair Mall. Danbury Police say officers responded to a report of a possible incident at the mall at around 4:30 p.m.  The officers quickly determined that the threat was not credible and there was no danger to the public, according to police.  "This incident remains under investigation as a swatting call," according to Danbury Police. The mall reopened for business as usual. 
Vance Elementary School Off Lockdown Following Threatening Phone Call About Armed Intruder Vance Elementary School Off Lockdown Following Threatening Phone Call About Armed Intruder
Vance Elementary School Off Lockdown Following Threatening Phone Call About Armed Intruder Officials in Connecticut said there is no threat following a "swatting" call on Monday, Sept. 23, that claimed an armed intruder was inside an elementary school. It's part of a growing trend of hoax calls promising violence at schools.  Hartford County's Vance Elementary School in New Britain was forced to go into lockdown on Monday after a call was placed to the main office around 11 a.m., said Tony Gasper, superintendent of the Consolidated School District of New Britain in a message to parents, per NBC Connecticut.  Related: Dozens Of Connecticut Schools Have Received Th…
Police Investigating Two Swatting Incidents Over Weekend In Avalon Police Investigating Two Swatting Incidents Over Weekend In Avalon
Police Investigating Two Swatting Incidents Over Weekend In Avalon Police in Cape May County were investigating two swatting incidents in Avalon, authorities said. County dispatchers received a 911 call from someone who claimed a murder was committed at a home on the 7700 block of Dune Drive in Avalon at around 4:22 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, the borough's government said in a Facebook post. The caller also said law enforcement may be killed if they go to the home. Avalon police and the county SWAT team responded to the home and the call turned out to be an instance of "swatting," which is when police are called to the scene of a false crime report. "R…
Teen Charged With False Reporting Following Swatting Incident In Leesburg: Police Teen Charged With False Reporting Following Swatting Incident In Leesburg: Police
Teen Charged With False Reporting Following Swatting Incident In Leesburg: Police An 18-year-old has been identified and charged as the person responsible for a reported swatting incident at a Loudoun County Safeway earlier this summer, police say. Leesburg resident Caleb Wolfe, has been charged with false emergency communication to emergency personnel - a misdemeanor - stemming from a false report of an armed robbery in July. At around 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, police say that the Leesburg Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a report of a robbery at the grocery store on South King Street involving two people armed with knives who armed a m…
Threat Targeting Virginia Private School Was Likely Swatting Call, Sheriff Says Threat Targeting Virginia Private School Was Likely Swatting Call, Sheriff Says
Threat Targeting Virginia Private School Was Likely Swatting Call, Sheriff Says The threat targeting a private school in Virginia may have been a swatting incident, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. First responders were called to The Hill School of Middleburg on South Madison Street at approximately 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, where there was a reported threat made against the school. ALERT: There is a heavy law enforcement presence in the vicinity of 100-Block S Madison St (Middleburg). South Madison St south of W Federal St (Middleburg) is closed. Law enforcement is responding to an ongoing incident. Please Avoid the area until further notice. …
SWATTING: Wendy's On Front St. Latest Victim, Susquehanna Twp Police Say SWATTING: Wendy's On Front St. Latest Victim, Susquehanna Twp Police Say
Swatting: Wendy's On Front St. Latest Victim, Susquehanna Twp Police Say A fake bomb threat led to a swatting incident at a Wendy's in Central Pennsylvania on Thursday afternoon, the police announced later that evening.  The Susquehanna Township police were called to the alleged threat at the Wendy's restaurant located at 3925 North Front Street at 1 p.m. on July 11, as detailed in the release.  The police released the following statement about what happened next: "With the assistance of the Dauphin County Sheriff’s K9 team, the building was searched and deemed safe to return to normal business. At this time, the incident appears to be connected to o…
'Swatting' Incident Brings Central Jersey Police To Fake Emergency 'Swatting' Incident Brings Central Jersey Police To Fake Emergency
'Swatting' Incident Brings Central Jersey Police To Fake Emergency Monroe Township police responded to an apparent “swatting” incident on Wednesday, July 3, authorities said. The Monroe Township Police Communications Center was contacted by a representative from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline who reported a suicidal subject in the Reserve neighborhood in Monroe Township, police said.  The subject reported to the hotline that he had shot his mother in the leg, poured gasoline all over her, and was looking for a lighter in order to set her on fire, police said. The subject was threatening to harm additional family members, as wel…
Extra Officers At CT High School After Swatting Threat To Student Extra Officers At CT High School After Swatting Threat To Student
Extra Officers At CT High School After Swatting Threat To Student Connecticut State Police have an added presence at a high school after a student received a threat. The incident occurred in New Haven County in Oxford at Oxford High School on Wednesday, May 22. According to State Police, troopers responded to the school as a result of a threat made against a student. After an investigation, it was determined that this was a swatting incident.  State police said there's no immediate threat to the school. As a precaution, Oxford police units and troopers will maintain a presence throughout the day.  Police did not reveal what type of threat the…
Maryland Man Charged For Nationwide Swatting Scheme With Online Group: Feds Maryland Man Charged For Nationwide Swatting Scheme With Online Group: Feds
Maryland Man Charged For Nationwide Swatting Scheme With Online Group: Feds Men from Maryland and Virginia are among three who have been charged in connection to a string of swatting incidents across the country, federal authorities announced.  This week, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Owen Jarboe, 18, of Hagerstown, Evan Strauss, 26, of Moneta, Virginia, and Brayden Grace, 18, of Columbus, Ohio with a host of offenses for making swatting calls to multiple police and emergency departments across the country. According to the six-count indictment, between December 2023 and January 2024, the three, along with others, were part of an online …
Bomb Threat Clears North Bergen Walmart, Proves Bogus Bomb Threat Clears North Bergen Walmart, Proves Bogus
Bomb Threat Clears North Bergen Walmart, Proves Bogus The Walmart store in North Bergen was evacuated due to a bomb threat that turned out to be a hoax on Wednesday, May 1, police tell Daily Voice. Two calls to the 2100 88th Street store were placed at approximately 1:45 p.m., saying that bombs were placed inside and "figure out how to disarm them," North Bergen Police Capt. Jorge Raposo tells Daily Voice. Bomb threat clears North Bergen Walmart. Special to Daily Voice Bomb threat clears North Bergen Walmart. Special to Daily Voice A sweep of the store turned up negative for explosive or suspicious devices at 2:55 p.m., Raposo sai…
Teen Girl Arrested For Swatting Incident At Bayonne Middle School: Cops Teen Girl Arrested For Swatting Incident At Bayonne Middle School: Cops
Teen Girl Arrested For Swatting Incident At Bayonne Middle School: Cops A 15-year-old Bayonne teenage girl was arrested on Monday, April 29 after she 'swatted' William Shemin Midtown School earlier that day, authorities said. At 9:57 a.m., police responded to the school on a reported threat, Eric Amato, public information officer for the Bayonne Police Department said. After conducting an investigating, officers determined it to be a swatting incident, Amato said. There was no safety threat to students, faculty member or the general pubic, Amato said. The 15-year-old was apprehended following an investigation and was charged with making false public alarms, Ama…
School In Fairfield Receives Threat Of Violence, Placed In Lockdown School In Fairfield Receives Threat Of Violence, Placed In Lockdown
School In Fairfield Receives Threat Of Violence, Placed In Lockdown A Fairfield County high school was placed on lockdown after receiving a threat of violence. The incident occurred at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield around 1 p.m., Thursday, April 11. According to Sgt. Michael Stahl of the Fairfield Police, the school received a telephone threat of violence and notified the police. The school was placed into lockdown while officers completed an assessment of the threat and determined that all students and staff were safe, Stahl said. "At this time, we believe this to be a swatting incident and that the call to the school was not made from the imm…
Juvenile Nabbed For 'Swatting' Stamford Home, School At Least 10 Times Juvenile Nabbed For 'Swatting' Stamford Home, School At Least 10 Times
Juvenile Nabbed For 'Swatting' Stamford Home, School At Least 10 Times An online gaming feud led to the arrest of a juvenile for swatting a Fairfield County home and school at least 10 times. The juvenile living in Maryland was charged on Thursday, Feb. 22 by the Stamford Police. According to Capt. Eugene Dohmann of the Stamford Police Department, swatting is a term used to describe the act of reporting a false critical incident to cause a massive response by emergency service personnel. The first incident occurred on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, when officers responded to a home on Southfield Avenue on a report of a bomb threat, Dohmann said. This was determi…
Minor Accused Of Aiding In Terrorism Following Series Of Swatting Incidents In VA, Sheriff Says Minor Accused Of Aiding In Terrorism Following Series Of Swatting Incidents In VA, Sheriff Says
Minor Accused Of Aiding In Terrorism Following Series Of Swatting Incidents In VA, Sheriff Says A juvenile who has caused chaos for the Stafford County Sheriff's Office has been charged and prosecuted following a lengthy investigation into a series of swatting incidents, authorities announced. Between May and September last year, investigators say that crews were called to a plethora of swatting incidents at several schools that were purportedly targeted by the underage suspect. Buildings involved in the swatting incidents include:  Stafford High School; Brooke Point High School; Dixon Smith Middle School; Drew Middle School. In each incident officials say that they "were each …
Two Alexandria Schools Swatted (DETAILS) Two Alexandria Schools Swatted (DETAILS)
Two Alexandria Schools Swatted (Details) Two bogus threats brought a SWAT response to two Alexandria schools on Wednesday, Jan. 24, officials said. The first call came in around 12:05 p.m., targeting the Charles Barrett Elementary School, at 1115 Martha Cutis Dr., a spokesperson for the sheriff's office said. The caller said someone would be at the school with guns, officials said. Multiple officers, K9s, and Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) members responded and began searching the school, which was evacuated to Cora Kelly School on Commonwealth Avenue, police said. APD assisted and remained with students and faculty who …
Ohio 'Swatter' Caught In Pennsylvania, Police Say Ohio 'Swatter' Caught In Pennsylvania, Police Say
Ohio 'Swatter' Caught In Pennsylvania, Police Say A Parkesburg man is charged with felony "swatting" in Ohio, according to borough police.  Michael Eugene Carpenter was arrested on an Ohio warrant on Tuesday, Jan. 9, authorities said in a release.  "Swatting" involves reporting a false crime to authorities — often a bomb threat or hostage situation — to provoke a police response, officials said.  Carpenter was released after posting a $10,000 bond on Wednesday, Jan. 10, court records show. Details of his pending extradition to Ohio were not immediately available. 
Sandy Hook School Receives Threat, All Safe, Police Say Sandy Hook School Receives Threat, All Safe, Police Say
Sandy Hook School Receives Threat, All Safe, Police Say Police in Fairfield County are reassuring the community that all students and staff are safe after a school in Sandy Hook received a new threat. The threat was made in Newtown around 9:15 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 30 at Sandy Hook School. According to Lt. Scott Smith, this morning police received a third-party report of a threatening message regarding the school. Newtown Police promptly responded to the school as staff followed appropriate safety precautions. "Newtown Police quickly determined that all students and staff were safe and that the threat was not credible, but instead was simi…
Synagogues Victim Of Hoax Bomb Threats In Mass: Police Synagogues Victim Of Hoax Bomb Threats In Mass: Police
Synagogues Victim Of Hoax Bomb Threats In Mass: Police Multiple places of worship were the victims of hoax bomb threats over the weekend, causing police to evacuate homes and close roads until they could investigate the scenes.  An employee at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom at 1112 Main St. in Hingham received an email shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19 that said that bombs were inside the synagogue, according to police. The employee left and called 911. Several homes nearby were evacuated, and Main Street (Route 228) was closed in both directions, police said. Explosive detection dogs from Quincy police and Massachusetts State Police …
SWATTING: Multiple Staffers At Saddle Brook School Receive Bogus Bomb Threat SWATTING: Multiple Staffers At Saddle Brook School Receive Bogus Bomb Threat
Swatting: Multiple Staffers At Saddle Brook School Receive Bogus Bomb Threat Five different staff members at a Saddle Brook school received the same emailed bomb threat, said authorities who cleared the building, conducted a search and found nothing harmful. Members of the Bergen County Bomb Squad swept both inside and outside the K-6 Franklin Elementary School on Caldwell Avenue before giving the all-clear, Saddle Brook Schools Supt. Toni Violetti said Tuesday morning, Nov. 14. A SWAT team also responded to the 8 a.m. swatting incident, said Capt. John A. Zotollo, Jr., the officer in charge of the Saddle Brook Police Department. The Bergen County Prosecutor's…
School Swatting Attacks In Hudson Valley: Rep. Lawler Proposes Longer Prison Sentences School Swatting Attacks In Hudson Valley: Rep. Lawler Proposes Longer Prison Sentences
School Swatting Attacks In Hudson Valley: Rep. Lawler Proposes Longer Prison Sentences In response to a rise in school swatting attacks across the country, including in the Hudson Valley, US Rep. Mike Lawler is introducing legislation that would increase the prison term for those who threaten students.  Lawler, who represents New York's 17th congressional district which includes all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester counties, announced his proposal on Wednesday, Oct. 25.  The proposed legislation, called the Schools Want Accountability for Threats (SWAT) Act, would increase the penalty for a school swatting attack targeting a school t…
Greenwich Schools Threat Likely 'Swatting' Incident, Police Say Greenwich Schools Threat Likely 'Swatting' Incident, Police Say
Greenwich Schools Threat Likely 'Swatting' Incident, Police Say A threat to schools in a Fairfield County town has been deemed a swatting incident by officials. The incident took place on Tuesday, Oct. 17 when police became aware of a vague threat through social media directed against the Greenwich School System and one of the town’s middle schools. According to Lt. Ted Latiak of the Greenwich Police, no specific threats were identified, but every precaution was taken to ensure the safety of the town’s students and staff members. Working closely with the Board of Education and other town departments, the Police Department has determined that this was a…
SWATTED: Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuation Of Jersey Shore Boardwalk: Prosecutor SWATTED: Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuation Of Jersey Shore Boardwalk: Prosecutor
Swatted: Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuation Of Jersey Shore Boardwalk: Prosecutor Bogus bomb threats aimed at Seaside Heights businesses were swatting incidents, authorities said. At approximately 8:50 a.m., on Monday, Sept. 11, the Seaside Heights Police Department received four phone calls indicating that two bombs were hidden at businesses on the Seaside Heights boardwalk, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Additionally, the callers indicated that they had operatives armed with guns on the Seaside Heights boardwalk, he said. The Seaside Heights boardwalk was temporarily evacuated as law enforcement assessed the credibility …
Again? Swatting Incident Evacuates Stafford High School Two Days In A Row Again? Swatting Incident Evacuates Stafford High School Two Days In A Row
Again? Swatting Incident Evacuates Stafford High School Two Days In A Row Yet another swatting incident evacuated Stafford High School. The treat was called into the school at 9 a.m., just one day after two swatting incidents evacuated both Stafford and Brooke Point high schools at dismissal. "Due to the increase in swatting calls, deputies will be providing additional coverage at all of our public schools," the sheriff's office said. "The investigation is ongoing." Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Bomb Threat Phoned Into Private School Linked To MD Mall Swatting Incident, Police Say Bomb Threat Phoned Into Private School Linked To MD Mall Swatting Incident, Police Say
Bomb Threat Phoned Into Private School Linked To MD Mall Swatting Incident, Police Say Members of the Montgomery County Department of Police were called to a private school in Maryland on Tuesday afternoon to investigate a reported bomb threat. Officials say that shortly after noon on Tuesday, Aug. 22, officers were called to the Bullis School in Potomac where there was a reported bomb threat that led to the building being evacuated. Officers were still at the scene at around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, and investigators say that the reported call may be linked to a swatting call that was phoned in to the Montgomery Mall over the weekend. UPDATE: Officers are still on scene at th…
Swatting Incident: Hoax Shooting Call Prompts Police Response, Road Closure In Dobbs Ferry Swatting Incident: Hoax Shooting Call Prompts Police Response, Road Closure In Dobbs Ferry
Swatting Incident: Hoax Shooting Call Prompts Police Response, Road Closure In Dobbs Ferry A fake shooting call that prompted a widespread police response and a road closure in Westchester is now being reported as a swatting incident, authorities said.  The incident happened just before 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2, when the Dobbs Ferry Police Department was notified by a local mobile crisis team reporting that they had received a call from a man who had claimed to have shot his mother and uncle.  According to the department, the man had also told the crisis team that he was contemplating hurting himself.  The caller had identified his location as 135 Beacon Hill D…
Fake Report Prompts Large-Scale Police Response In Irvington Fake Report Prompts Large-Scale Police Response In Irvington
Fake Report Prompts Large-Scale Police Response In Irvington A swatting incident led to an extensive police response in Westchester, prompting authorities to begin a search for the perpetrator of the false report.  The incident happened on Thursday, May 25 just before 2:30 p.m., when an individual made a false report that led to a large police response near the lower area of Main Street in Irvington, according to Irvington Police.  After the false report was made, Irvington officers responded to the area and set up a safety perimeter with the help of police from Tarrytown and Dobbs Ferry.  After a preliminary investigation was conduct…
Active Shooter Report Forces Evacuation At St John's Preparatory In Danvers Active Shooter Report Forces Evacuation At St John's Preparatory In Danvers
Active Shooter Report Forces Evacuation At St John's Preparatory In Danvers Students were evacuated following a report of an active shooter at a private high school on the North Shore this week, according to authorities.  State and local police responded to a report of a person with a gun at St. John's Preparatory High School in Danvers shortly before 2 p.m. on Monday, May 22, Massachusetts State Police said.  At 1:49 PM several dozen Troopers and @DanversPolice responded to St. John’s Prep for report of a person with a gun at the school. Immediate entry made and no threats identified at this time. Teams doing secondary sweeps. We are aware of no injuries at th…
'PlugwalkJoe' Admits Unprecedented Twitter Hack That Included Musk, Kardashian, Biden: Feds 'PlugwalkJoe' Admits Unprecedented Twitter Hack That Included Musk, Kardashian, Biden: Feds
'PlugwalkJoe' Admits Unprecedented Twitter Hack That Included Musk, Kardashian, Biden: Feds A 23-year-old British citizen who hacked the Twitter accounts of Joe Biden, Elon Musk, Kim Kardashian and Bill Gates, among others, pleaded guilty in federal court to a host of related charges as part of a deal with the government. Joseph James O'Connor -- also known as "PlugwalkJoe" -- technically faces up to 77 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines but will likely get somewhere between 10 to 20 years when all is said and done. The Liverpudlian hacker admitted during a plea hearing in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday, May 9, that he committed one of the largest high-pro…