Canada Youth Arrested In Swatting Incident At Hawkins County School

An arrest has been made in that case of a someone calling in a threat of gun violence at Volunteer High School in Hawkins County last month. An 18-year-old has been arrested in Canada after investigators traced “swatting” calls at Volunteer High School and a High School in Boone, N.C. back to him. Swatting is the term used for someone phoning-in a fake threat to make authorities believe there is a life-threatening situation, leading to an armed response. On August 10, police and first responders rushed to Volunteer High School after the “swatting” call was received. Students were taken to the nearby National Guard Armory, and the school was searched. Hawkins County Sheriff Ronnie Lawson said later that the threat appeared to be a “hoax” and it would be investigated. According to a release from the Manitoba Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canadian authorities received a request to help the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security in that case. The number had traced back to a residence located on the Fisher River Cree Nation near Winnipeg. An 18 year old male was arrested and some electronic equipment was seized. That 18 year old was later released but is scheduled to appear in a Manitoba court in December on charges.