CK police issue ‘swatting’ warning after fake school weapons calls

Chatham-Kent police are warning against “swatting” after responding to false weapons calls at a Chatham high school twice this week.

Article content

Officers called at John McGregor secondary school Monday and Wednesday quickly determined the calls were false, with no credible threat present, police said.

Article content

Investigation led to the identification of two female youths, who were referred to a youth officer for participation in a diversion program, police said.

In a release, police and Lambton Kent District school board warned against swatting, or falsely reporting serious crimes to generate a response by emergency services.

“Swatting incidents disrupt the normal functioning of emergency services and divert crucial resources away from genuine emergencies,” police said. “These mischievous acts put lives at risk and can have far-reaching consequences for both the victims and the perpetrators. . .

Article content

“Such actions are considered extremely serious and will not be tolerated,” police added.

Police encourage the reporting of any suspicious activity at 519-352-1234.

Man charged after Chatham clash

A man faces charges after a man and woman clashed in Chatham Monday, Chatham-Kent police say.

Officers called to a Lacroix Street address Monday learned an argument between a man and woman escalated when the man took the woman’s phone and tried to block her from leaving, police said. The man fled before police arrived.

Officers found and arrested a suspect about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, police said.

A Chatham man, 36, is charged with assault and forcible confinement, police said. He was held pending a bail hearing.

Man charged after traffic stop

Article content

A man got more than a speeding ticket after a traffic stop in Chatham Wednesday night, Chatham-Kent police say.

An officer pulled over a suspected speeder on Grand Avenue West about 9 p.m., police said. Investigation revealed the driver was prohibited from driving and bound by a probation order.

A suspect was arrested, police said.

A Tilbury man, 38, is charged with failing to comply with a probation order, driving while prohibited and two counts of driving while suspended, police said. It was released with conditions and an April 22 short date.

The vehicle was impounded for 45 days, police said.

Article content