Edmonton police said Friday that officers were investigating, after the SWAT team was called to a southeast home, but reports that prompted that police response turned out to be false.
Police said on Thursday, just after 11 p.m., EPS responded to a weapons complaint at a home in the area of 67 Street and 101A Avenue.
“Weapons were indicated, violence was indicated, past and future violence had been indicated, certainly it looked like a very substantial event,” EPS Insp. Regan James said.
Officers from Southeast Division, the Tactical Section, Canine Unit, Air 1, and paramedics responded – and set up a command post to deal with the situation.
However, investigation revealed residents at the home in question had been the victims of a prank, known as “swatting”.
Police said swatting is a false report to 911 about a serious incident, often involving weapons, and lives at risk – EPS said the calls are often connected to online gaming, making it difficult to find out where the call came from originally.
EPS said such calls can put serious strain on police resources.
“These types of calls are frowned upon, they draw an incredible amount of resources away from what could be real emergencies,” Insp. James said.
As far as the investigation into Thursday night’s incident, police said they have an area of interest, within city limits, but did not release many details.
Consequences for those responsible could include charges of public mischief, which can lead to jail time.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 or #377 on a mobile phone.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
With files from Veronica Jubinville
