Police Seek ‘Swatting’ Suspect

Family and Barrie Police 'victimized'

A disturbing call to 911 in Barrie Monday night. The male caller said he had shot his younger brother and tied up his parents, noting his house was surrounded by friends and police would be shot at.The Barrie Police Tactical Support Unit converged  on a home near Penetang and St Vincent Streets. Six people were safely removed from the home. Police quickly determined this was a so-called ‘swatting’ incident. Swatting has become known to police services across North America. It is thought to have originated in online gaming – gamers making phony 911 calls to police and then watch on screen as police spring into action. Police remind everyone these types of incidents create fear, place the public’s safety at risk and disrupt communities, while straining valuable emergency response resources, such as police, paramedics and fire services. If caught, the perpetrator(s) could face jail time and/or substantial fines. Anyone with information on Monday night’s incident is asked to call Barrie Police Investigative Services at 705-725-7025 ext. 2129, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or visit www.tipsubmit.ca