York Regional Police is investigating the possibility that a report of a person in crisis and on the verge of hurting themselves at Promenade Mall was a ‘swatting’ call after spending hours searching, but finding nothing.
The service scrambled the helicopter, engaged the detectives unit and sent more than 10 cruisers to the Thornhill mall near Center and Bathurst streets following a call at 4:39 pm March 3.
After spending two hours searching and coming up empty-handed, Staff Sgt. Andy Graham said police are now investigating whether or not the call was bogus.
Swatting calls have become more common in the last few years and can be a significant drain on resources, resulting in a large police response that takes officers away from those in need.
Anyone with information is asked to contact YRP at 1-866-876-5423.