14-year-old from Canada charged with Bethlehem swatting threats
BETHLEHEM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A 14-year-old from Canada has been charged with making several swatting threats toward the Bethlehem Central School District. FBI Albany and the Bethlehem Police Department made the announcement on Monday afternoon.
At least five phone threats of gun violence were made against the district in September, forcing the schools to go into lockout and canceling after-school activities. The threats were later deemed to be swatting, with law enforcement focusing their investigation outside the Capital Region.
Police said the 14-year-old used spoof IP addresses, which initially led law enforcement to Texas. The teen was allegedly responsible for dozens of threats to different schools, restaurants, and even a suicide prevention line.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing and they'll likely uncover more threats. Stick with NEWS10 as this story develops.