Grey Bruce OPP is looking into a hoax emergency call that resulted in a large police response in Meaford on Thursday evening.
Officers responded to the false report on Denmark Street, which is known as a “swatting” incident, at around 5:45 p. m. on September 24.
The OPP stated that they were alerted by a crisis support service that had been talking with someone who claimed there was a person inside a home in distress. During the conversation, the helpline worker thought they heard what seemed like gunshots in the background.
Following this information, more police resources were sent to ensure public safety. The OPP also shared an alert on social media notifying residents about the heavy police presence in the area.
However, shortly after arriving, officers found out that the reported emergency was not real. Resources cleared out of the area around 7 p. m.
Grey Bruce OPP Constable Kody Lyons mentioned that these types of calls are taken very seriously.
“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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