In San Diego, a 15-year old boy was arrested after making bomb threats against Point Loma High School. The teen is assoicate with an online group also responsible for 'swating' incidents in California, Georgia, Michigan, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois.
According to Centre Daily Times, Lt. James Keck of the San Diego Police Department said that the suspect was arrested Wednesday and will be charged with falsely reporting an emergency. The suspect also declined to say what game the group played and that the objective is uncertain. The targets are not only limited to schools.
LA Times reported that the teen was taken to Juvenile Hall and other arrests are expected as investigators identify participants through internet addresses and other records.
'Swatting', which was popular several years ago, is a prank that involves issuing threats that would lead SWAT teams to respond. This originated from many online gaming communities and forums.
A police dispatcher in San Diego was informed last April 5 that someone would come to Point Loma High School the next day with guns and explosives.
Keck wrote in a statement that the San Diego PD takes these types of threats very seriously. They result in costly deployment of emergency response resources, which includes specialized personnel and equipment.
"This level of response is determined to be appropriate based on the information received in order to ensure public safety." Keck said.
The FBI explained that swatting incidents resulted in more than $250,000 of losses in emergency responders and telecommunications.
A reporter and swatting victim Brian Krebs said that there is a tendency that people think it's a fun game. But he clarified that it is a dangerous act because people's lives are put in danger. He even gave an example.
"If somebody kicks in your door, I could imagine situations where people who are armed and in their home fire back at an intruder who claims to be the police. And what a mess that would be." Krebs explained.
