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Kid Allegedly Behind 'Swatting' Pranks Targeting Ashton Kutcher, Justin Bieber and Other Celebs Arrested
Photo by Gunnar Pippel via Shutterstock
The Los Angeles Police Department have announced the arrest of a juvenile they believe to be the prankster responsible for logging fake crime report calls into emergency systems necessitating the deployment of SWAT officers to celebrity homes.The unidentified minor was taken into custody December 10, the LAPD have just revealed. They have linked this juvenile to the "swatting" pranks pulled recently at the homes of Ashton Kutcher and Justin Bieber, and to other swatting incidents. (Other celebs who've been victims of these pranks include Miley Cyrus and Simon Cowell.)
Though some, including the accused, might think it's funny to send out the police and resources like helicopters and specialized personnel, the LAPD has been serious about getting to the bottom of these costly pranks. In addition to the financial burden of paying officers and for resources that aren't needed because there isn't even a legitimate possibility of a serious crime taking place, the LAPD have expressed fears of a scenario like an innocent person being mistaken for a phantom shooter, and the police firing on them.
Another scenario police fear is that other Angelenos in need of emergency aid will be left waiting--perhaps to die--while cops and other first responders are at the scene of a "swatting."
To track down this accused "swatter," the LAPD, working with the FBI and the Long Beach Police Department, conducted an investigation into the phony calls, and detectives served numerous search warrants, including several outside of Los Angeles County.
The case has been presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review and filing consideration.
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