Two Teens Arrested for Dangerous Swatting Prank in Central Florida

Kissimmee, Florida, USA - In a disconcerting turn of events, two teenagers from out of state have been arrested under felony charges in connection with a swatting incident that rattled a Poinciana family. A 15-year-old from Connecticut and a 14-year-old from New York were extradited to Florida after allegedly initiating a false report, claiming there was a violent situation unfolding at the home of a 12-year-old who was simply playing an online game on June 4. It’s a stark reminder that the risks of swatting are very real, echoing sentiments expressed by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, who highlighted the dangers involved in responding to such calls, including serious vehicle crashes involving deputies responding to these fictitious emergencies. ABC Action News reports that the same victim reported a second incident to law enforcement in Kissimmee shortly thereafter.

Swatting—defined as an intentional false report of a violent incident to elicit a massive emergency response—has garnered national attention due to its severe implications. It’s not just a prank; it can lead to significant harm, diverting crucial resources from real emergencies and causing injury or even fatalities. The FBI has noted the worrying trend of swatting incidents in a recent Public Service Announcement, emphasizing that these hoax calls can target anyone, from public figures to everyday citizens and even schools and hospitals (IC3.gov).

The Growing Threat of Swatting

The teenage duo’s case is part of a broader concern. Swatting incidents have risen, fueled by the anonymity offered by modern technology and the gaming culture. In fact, swatting started within the online gaming community but has since morphed into a tactic used against a wide array of victims. One notable case in February 2025 involved 18-year-old Alan Filion from California, who was sentenced to four years for orchestrating a swatting spree that involved over 375 hoax calls targeting schools and government buildings (Lexipol).

What’s particularly troubling is the growing sophistication of swatters who may employ Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, caller ID spoofing, and other advanced methods to mask their real identities. This technological veil heightens the challenge for law enforcement trying to track down these criminals. Yet, as the narrative has shown, there can be mistakes made during execution, which can lead to important breakthroughs in investigations.

A Call to Action

With swatting incidents becoming ever more prevalent, community awareness, education, and responsive training for law enforcement are essential. Victims of swatting often find themselves in a state of confusion, potentially compounded by fear. Those caught in such situations are encouraged to remain calm and cooperate with responding officers. Sheriff Judd’s remarks shed light on the serious outcomes swatting can inflict—not just on its targets, but on the health of public safety resources as a whole. The distress swatting causes extends beyond mere inconvenience; it can lead to trauma that may erode the public’s trust in law enforcement.

As more individuals are exposed to the risks of swatting, it’s crucial to take protective measures. The FBI encourages those online to review their digital footprints, safeguard sensitive information, and utilize strong password practices. As was exemplified in this recent case, discussing these risks with family and preparing a response plan for law enforcement contact is an prudent move. For those interested in further information, resources are available through platforms dedicated to reporting and preventing such acts, keeping the message clear: swatting is a serious crime, and it’s time to treat it as such.

In a world where a simple click can turn into a dangerous game, vigilance is key. Let this incident be a wake-up call for all of us.