Solving a ‘swatting:’ British teen behind April incidents at Saskatoon schools

On April 8, Saskatoon police officers rushed to three elementary schools after getting reports a man with a gun was approaching each school.

No threats were found — and now police know why.

A 16-year-old boy from the United Kingdom has been identified as the person responsible for the “swatting” incidents. That’s when police are dispatched to a location for a threat that ultimately doesn’t exist.

In a media release Wednesday, the Saskatoon Police Service said its investigation — which also involved United States Homeland Security — determined the British teen was responsible. He also was behind other “swatting” incidents in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

On April 8 at around 12:30 p.m., police received a 911 call reporting a person with a gun was approaching Pleasant Hill School, an elementary school located on Avenue S South.

Police said patrol, school resource officers and on-duty tactical support officers responded to the area.

Two other 911 calls were made to police at 12:36 p.m. and 1:13 p.m., reporting similar threats involving elementary schools — Sutherland School on 111th Street West and wâhkôhtowin School on John A. Macdonald Road, respectively.

All three schools were placed under lockdown while police attended and cleared each room.

Despite identifying the teen responsible, the Saskatoon police are continuing their investigation.