"Swatting" describes how computer hackers place false emergency calls of serious crimes in progress to provoke a large police and fire response to a hoax, according to the LAPD. This presents a danger to first responders and citizens.
LAPD received a report of shots fired at Kutcher's home on October 3, which brought out a SWAT team and dozens of police officers and emergency personnel. The teletype report, of the kind used by hearing-impaired individuals, said guns and explosives were present at the house located on Arrowhead Drive above the Hollywood Reservoir.
An investigation was launched by the LAPD, Long Beach Police and the FBI. Numerous search warrants were served, and a Southern California juvenile was arrested for the Kutcher incident, as well as a similar incident at a residence belonging to pop singer Justin Bieber, as well as other "swatting" incidents.
Anyone with information regarding any related incidents is asked to contact the Hollywood Area Detective Division at (213) 972-2931. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.
