Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Man Arrested for Swatting Calls in Montgomery County, Texas
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – A 27-year-old man named Francisco Hernandez is now facing charges after being accused of making multiple swatting calls to 911 in Montgomery County last weekend. Swatting refers to the act of making false emergency calls in order to elicit a response from law enforcement or other emergency services.
According to authorities, the Montgomery County dispatch received a startling total of 13 emergency calls from the same phone number, all originating near the 100 block of Sawdust Road in Spring. Each time the caller, later identified as Hernandez, would hang up as soon as someone answered the call. Not only that, but an emergency text message was also sent to 911, claiming that there was an active shooter at a nearby business.
Deputies swiftly responded to the location only to find no signs of any emergency. This led investigators to conclude that Hernandez had deliberately reported the active shooter to provoke an emergency response. Further investigations revealed that Hernandez had made a shocking 44 emergency calls to the Montgomery County Dispatch over the course of the past two months.
Following the identification of the caller, authorities obtained a warrant for Hernandez’s arrest, and he was taken into custody on Thursday. It’s worth noting that Hernandez was also arrested on an additional warrant out of Harris County for harassment. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail.
In response to this incident, officials emphasized the importance of responsible use of emergency services. They highlighted that the abuse of 911 services not only violates the law but also puts both law enforcement personnel and the public at risk by diverting resources from genuine emergencies. They urged the public to use 911 services responsibly and only in cases of actual emergencies, prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
Swatting incidents have become a growing concern across the United States, with numerous cases reported in recent years. Law enforcement agencies have been working diligently to combat this dangerous trend and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.