Los Angeles, CA – Authorities have reportedly made an arrest in connection to several celebrity “swatting” cases, according to The Associated Press .
Police have apprehended a juvenile believed to be responsible for prank calls made to the likes of Justin Bieber and Ashton Kutcher. The suspect was picked up by police on December 10.
However, details about the juvenile are few and far between as of this writing. The Los Angeles Police Department is currently refusing to release any information about the suspect’s identity to the media.
“The swatting practice is extremely dangerous and places first responders and citizens in harm’s way,” the department said in a press release.
The Los Angeles Times reports that authorities are still looking into “swatting” cases involving Miley Cyrus and X Factor judge Simon Cowell. Investigators said they are also making progress in similar cases linked to area businesses.
Officials are anxious to find the individuals responsible for these potentially dangerous prank calls. Los Angeles Police Department Commander Andrew Smith said someone is likely to get injured before too long.
“If these things continue, it’s only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs,” he explained. “We’ve got talented detectives who are committed to catching people who put other people’s lives at risk with these dangerous pranks.”
According to CNN , police officials said “swatting” occurs when “computer hackers utilize their skills to place false emergency calls of serious crimes in progress to law enforcement and fire dispatch centers, thus causing a large number of first responders [to arrive.] The swatting practice is extremely dangerous and places first responders and citizens in harm’s way.”
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case against juvenile currently in custody. Officials said other suspects are being investigated as well.
What do you think should happen to people who are caught “swatting” celebrities and businesses?
