Teen from Canada Arrested in Connection with Bethlehem High School Threats!
A 14-year-old from Canada has been arrested in connection with a series of swatting threats targeting Bethlehem High School, as well as other institutions across the U.S. and Canada.
The FBI, in collaboration with the Bethlehem Police Department, announced on Monday.
Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli of the FBI emphasized the extensive nature of the hoaxes, stating that the teen is believed to be responsible for threats made to schools, restaurants, police departments, airports, universities, and even a national suicide hotline. These incidents spanned across 12 U.S. states and multiple locations in Canada.
“This reign of chaos has been brought to an end thanks to the cooperation between domestic and international law enforcement agencies,” Tremaroli said during a press conference.
The investigation into the threats began on September 10 when Bethlehem Police received the first of 11 hoax calls targeting the high school.
One of these calls was placed to the school’s counseling center, heightening concerns within the community. Bethlehem Police Chief Gina Cocchiara described the anxiety and trauma caused by the incidents, which left parents, students, and educators feeling vulnerable.
In their pursuit of the suspect, investigators initially traced an IP address to a residence in Texas. However, upon further investigation, it became clear that the individual behind the threats was not located there.
Tremaroli explained that the suspect had employed advanced techniques to spoof IP addresses and phone numbers, complicating the investigation and requiring collaboration between multiple FBI field offices.
Law enforcement agencies in both Canada and the U.S., including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, and the Bridgewater Police Department, executed search warrants in Halifax, Nova Scotia last Friday.
Several electronic devices were seized during the raid, which may reveal even more swatting locations once analyzed.
The suspect now faces multiple charges in Canada, including public mischief, uttering threats, fraudulent use of a computer, and indecent communications of mischief.
Because the suspect is a minor, their name will not be released, and they have been remanded to a juvenile detention facility pending their next court appearance.
Bethlehem Police Chief Cocchiara praised the efforts of all the agencies involved, stating, “I understand that such incidents can leave our community feeling anxious and traumatized, but I am proud to say we are closing this chapter.”
The investigation is ongoing, and Tremaroli believes more affected locations will be identified as the seized electronic devices are thoroughly reviewed.