HOWARD COUNTY, MD – An Australian teenager has been implicated in making a false bomb and shooting threat to River Hill High School in October 2022.
The threats originated from Australia, and River Hill was not the only targeted institution. The teenager is suspected of making several such hoax calls throughout the US.
Known as “swatting”, such threats are treated with utmost seriousness by the police. This specific hoax led to a massive police response, sparking fear and anxiety among students, staff, and parents, and heavily disrupted school operations.
Upon establishing that the threat was a hoax, HCPD detectives commenced a comprehensive investigation. This probe involved over 20 search warrants for digital evidence and collaborations with numerous local and federal agencies.
The investigation led detectives to the suspected caller in Australia. Australian officials have since taken appropriate action against him. Investigations continue to ascertain if he had any collaborators. HCPD wants to emphasize that every threat, even those meant as pranks, are serious crimes.