‘Swatting’ investigation leads to public mischief charges in Oakville

Halton Police have arrested a man in a so-called “swatting” case that tied up more than 20 front-line police officers in the region.

Six fake or prank 911 calls requesting emergency responders, also known as “swatting,” were made between Jan. 3 and Feb. 17.

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Police say in one instance the unidentified caller reported a knife fight in the area of T.A. Blakelock High School in Oakville.

In another, it was reported that there was a fight in front of the Oakville library.

READ MORE: False threats to Halifax military base cause anxiety, provoke investigation

All six calls were unsubstantiated by police but the one placed on Feb. 17 sparked a nine-hour investigation into the series of reports.

Police arrested the alleged caller at a residence on Wendy Lane in Oakville.

A 37-year-old man is charged with six counts of providing false information and two counts of public mischief.