14-year-old from Canada arrested in Bethlehem school swatting incidents
A 14-year-old from Canada has been arrested in connection with the threats against Bethlehem High School, the FBI and Bethlehem Police announced on Monday.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli said investigators believe the teen is responsible for dozens of hoaxes at schools, restaurants, government organizations, police departments, airports and universities. In addition, he is accused of targeting a national suicide hotline and private citizens in 12 states and multiple locations throughout Canada.
“Today, thanks to the coordination and partnering between multiple law enforcement agencies, both domestic and international, that reign of chaos comes to an end,” Agent Tremaroli said at a news conference.
Bethlehem Police Chief Gina Cocchiara said the investigation began on Sept. 10 when the department received the first of what would be 11 calls making threats against the school. One call was made to the Bethlehem High School Counseling Center.
Tremaroli said data analysis first led the investigation to Texas, where they called the FBI El Paso Field Office to assist in interviewing the owners of the home to where the IP address was traced.
After further investigation, police determined that the suspect did not live in Texas.
“This case was extremely complex as the subject used technology to spoof IP addresses and phone numbers which required resources from several different field offices,” Tremaroli said.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police and the Bridgewater Police Department helped in the investigation.
Multiple search warrants were executed last Friday in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Tremaroli said he believes the number of locations swatted will grow after police review the multiple electronic devices that were seized.
The suspect has been charged with the following Canadian charges: public mischief, uttering threats, fraudulent use of a computer, indecent communications of mischief.
The suspect was sent to a juvenile detention facility until his next court appearance. Because he is a minor, his name will not be released.
Cocchiara said she is proud to join with their partners from the FBI to “close this chapter.”
“I understand that such incidents can leave parents, students, educators feeling vulnerable, anxious, and in some cases traumatized. It is important for me to acknowledge the emotional toll this has taken on our community,” she said.