ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Albemarle County Police Department is investigating a series of alleged “swatting” incidents, which refer to fraudulent calls made to police claiming there is a dangerous situation, though no real danger or threat is present.
The department currently investigating three incidents of alleged “swatting” calls that happened between Friday, Jan. 26 and Monday, Jan. 29 in the county.
Under Virginia law, a fake report of an emergency in which there is emergency response could result in a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.
According to police, the Emergency Communications Center received reports of a suicidal juvenile in the 1200 block of Timberwood Boulevard on Friday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 28. However, police responded to the scene and found nothing that matched the provided information.
Police said the latest reported incident was at 9:40 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29 when another call reported there was an injured and suicidal juvenile on the 3300 block of Rodman Drive. Again, the department responded to the call and discovered there was nothing found.
Based on the evidence, the Albemarle County Police Department is investigating these calls as suspected “swatting”. In addition, the department wants to bring awareness to the community of the dangers of making these fraudulent calls.
“Swatting is an irresponsible act that poses significant risks to everybody involved and places an undue burden on law enforcement resources”, said Captain Darrell Byers, Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. “As a community, we must condemn and address swatting with the seriousness it deserves and recognize the profound dangers it poses to public safety and community well-being. Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact ACPD”.
If anyone has information on these incidents, they are asked to contact Albemarle County Police Department at 434-296-5807.
