Police Probe Christmas Day 'Swatting' Incident In Mooresville

MOORESVILLE, NC — Mooresville Police have launched a criminal investigation into a Christmas Day "swatting" call falsely reporting a double shooting that prompted a response from multiple officers and mobilization of the department's Special Response Team.

Swatting is defined as a harassment tactic used to trick 911 dispatchers into sending police and emergency services to an unknowing third party's address.

The Dec. 25 incident occurred shortly after 8 p.m., when MPD received a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in progress, including a double shooting with additional threats of violence in the 100 block of Castleton Drive in Mooresville, MPD assistant chief Frank Falzone confirmed.

"Due to the seriousness of the reports (double shooting with additional threats of violence), and out of an abundance of caution for public safety, our Special Response Team was activated as officers were responding," Falzone told Patch.

Before the team arrived, MPD patrol officers determined the reports were false and were the result of an online dispute involving someone in the home who was playing an online game.

"Fortunately, 'swatting' is uncommon in Mooresville," Falzone said.

Falzone said that online gamers can prevent becoming a victim by safeguarding personal information, such as not sharing your name and location.

Emily Leayman, Patch staff, contributed