Grey Bruce OPP is looking into a false emergency call that resulted in a large police presence in Meaford on Thursday evening.
Police responded to the misleading report on Denmark Street, which is commonly known as a “swatting” incident, at about 5:45 p. m. on September 24.
According to OPP, they received information from a crisis support service that had been in contact with someone claiming that an individual inside a home was having a crisis. During this conversation, the helpline worker thought they heard what seemed like gunshots in the background.
In response to this report, additional police units were sent to ensure community safety. The OPP also posted on social media informing residents of the significant police activity in the area.
However, shortly after arriving on scene, officers found that the reported situation was not real. Resources cleared out around 7 p. m.
Grey Bruce OPP Constable Kody Lyons stresses that these types of calls are serious offenses.
“These incidents are treated seriously due to the risks they create for the public, emergency responders, and the individuals at the targeted location,” he said. “Once a false emergency call is placed, emergency resources responding to that incident are unavailable to assist with legitimate emergencies elsewhere in the community.. Placing a false call to report an emergency is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.”
The investigation into who made the call is still ongoing. Anyone with information should reach out to Grey Bruce OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
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