Reports indicating someone shot in Barry’s Bay, Ont. was a possible swatting incident: OPP

An OPP cruiser is seen in this undated file photos. (CTV News)

Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a suspected swatting incident in Barry’s Bay, after officers responded to a report of threats indicating that someone had been shot in the Upper Ottawa Valley community.

In a post on social media on Wednesday night, the OPP said it was aware of comments circulating on social media.

“There was a heavy police presence in the Barry’s Bay area as officers responded to reports of a serious incident,” the OPP said.

“This remains an ongoing investigation. Officers searched the area and confirmed that everyone is safe, and there is no credible information to suggest any active threat to the public.”

In a statement on Thursday, the OPP said the incident is now being investigated as possible swatting.

“Multiple resources, including members of the Emergency Response Team, were deployed to the area,” the OPP said. “After a thorough search and investigation, officers confirmed that everyone was safe and that there was no risk to public safety.”

Police say swatting is the act of deliberately making a false or misleading emergency report to police or other first responders with the intent of “provoking an urgent, high-risk response to a specific location.”

“False or misleading emergency calls divert critical resources,” the OPP said.

“When police, fire, or paramedic units are sent to a fabricated incident, those same resources are not available to respond to real emergencies where lives may depend on a timely response.”

The OPP reminds people that placing a false emergency call is a “serious criminal offence.”

“The OPP reminds the public that making a false report to any emergency service is an offence under the Criminal Code. Individuals responsible for these incidents can face significant charges, both in Canada and internationally,” the OPP said.

“Swatting incidents put the public and first responders at unnecessary risk. These deliberate hoaxes can create high-risk situations and undermine community trust, and they will be fully investigated.”

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