A teenager from Ottawa, aged 14, has been arrested by Hamilton police for allegedly making multiple false emergency calls, including reports of serious crimes such as domestic violence, shootings, and homicides. This fraudulent activity, commonly referred to as “swatting,” occurred between December 2025 and January 2026, according to Hamilton Police.
The authorities responded to seven separate incidents following the fake calls, which all turned out to be unfounded after thorough investigations. The hoax calls targeted residential locations in Hamilton, prompting immediate police responses each time.
Following an extensive inquiry, law enforcement officers carried out a search at a residence in Ottawa, where they confiscated various electronic devices. The young suspect has been charged with public mischief and was subsequently released with a court appearance scheduled for February, with their identity protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Hamilton Police emphasized the severity of swatting, highlighting the strain it puts on emergency services. False reports like these divert valuable police resources away from genuine emergencies, impede prompt police assistance to the community, and pose unnecessary risks to public and officer safety.
Keyphrase: fake emergency calls