OPP charge teenager in connection with 'swatting' incidents

Ontario Provincial Police charged a 16-year-old Wednesday in connection with multiple "swatting" incidents, where seemingly high risk calls prompted large emergency responses.

Police said the teen is from New Tecumseth, Ont., and the incidents in question date back to February. OPP officials couldn't say if the teen is connected to this week's swatting incidents in Richmond Hill and Brampton, but said they are working with York and Peel region police to explore that possibility.

"The Ontario Provincial Police would like to remind the public that placing a false call to emergency services for any reason other than a true emergency call is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada," the force said in a news release.

OPP said the "swatting" calls in question "required a high level of police and emergency service response."

Police executed a search warrant at the teen's home and confiscated some electronics as part of their investigation.

The teen, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, faces four charges in total, including public mischief and sending false messages.

The teen was scheduled to attend a bail hearing today in Barrie, Ont.

OPP said the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.