More Swatting Calls Target Stafford Schools: Sheriff's Office

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — Authorities received multiple swatting calls that mentioned Stafford County schools on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, the sheriff's office said.

Authorities noted that they are increasing police presence at local schools as a precaution.

Swatting is a phenomenon that originated among online gamers. It involves falsely reporting a serious or violent crime in an effort to draw a large police response against an unsuspecting person or facility.

The first swatting call occurred just before 2 p.m. on Tuesday. A caller mentioned threats toward Stafford High School and Brooke Point High School, the Stafford County Sheriff's Office said.

Investigators determined that there was no threat, but the schools cancelled their afternoon roll call.

On Wednesday morning, more threats rolled in. Another caller mentioned a threat to Stafford High School around 9 a.m.

"It was once again determined to be a swatting incident; however, as a precaution deputies responded to the school and secured it," the sheriff's office said on Facebook. "Due to the increase in swatting calls, deputies will be providing additional coverage at all of our public schools."

Authorities reported that the investigation is still ongoing.

Falsely reporting acts of violence is a crime in Virginia. Anyone with more information about the incidents can contact the sheriff's office at 540-658-4400.