Regina police issued a warning regarding the dangers of ‘swatting’ following a false emergency call in September. The misleading call, received at 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 19, claimed a woman was injured in a firearms-related incident at a residence in southwest Regina and that a suspect and another individual were still inside.
Responding to the call, members of the Regina Police Service Tactical Support Unit forcibly entered the home after forcing open a door. However, upon searching the premises, they found two residents, including a woman who sustained injuries during the entry. Contrary to the initial report, neither individual matched the description provided, and no evidence of a firearms incident or threat was discovered.
Subsequent investigation led to the charging of a 14-year-old boy with public mischief. Acting police chief Lorilee Davies emphasized the seriousness of such false reports, stating that they jeopardize public and police safety, diverting resources from legitimate crime and community safety concerns.
The incident was highlighted as the first reported case of ‘swatting’ in Regina, with Davies underscoring the real risks and trauma inflicted on innocent individuals caught in such situations. Stressing the unacceptable nature of these actions, she emphasized the need to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.