Call from outside the country evacuated Bedford community for fake hostage situation

Early Monday morning Halifax Regional Police were called for a possible hostage situation in Bedford. The call came in at 12:30 a.m., and the report was from a man who told officers he was living in an apartment complex on River Lane. The man said he shot his father and was holding his mother hostage, [...]

Early Monday morning Halifax Regional Police were called for a possible hostage situation in Bedford. The call came in at 12:30 a.m., and the report was from a man who told officers he was living in an apartment complex on River Lane. The man said he shot his father and was holding his mother hostage, the police release reads.

When HRP arrived to the complex and evacuated people nearby, officers contacted the man’s parents, who confirmed they were safe. “The man who was believed to have made the initial report then exited the apartment with no knowledge of the incident,” HRP said. Officials said the man cooperate with police and it was believed he did not in fact make the report.

Police now believe that the initial call was made outside of Canada and was a hoax. “This type of incident is known as ‘swatting.’ Swatting involves making a false report to police with the intent of prompting a significant police response,” police explained.

More local stories: Firefighters tackle strip mall fire in Halifax Lodge That Gives receives funding aimed at reducing emissions and providing comfort The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline renewed for fourth consecutive year These sorts of reports tie up emergency responders and divert them away from real emergencies. HRP worked with Halifax Transit who provided a bus to the evacuated residents and RCMP assisted with the incident. No charges have been laid, and the investigation is ongoing, the release notes.