HRP release:

Police responded to a false report of a shooting and hostage situation in Bedford overnight.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., police received a report from a man who identified himself as a living in an apartment complex on River Lane in Bedford. The caller reported that he had shot his father and was holding his mother hostage and at gunpoint.

Officers arrived at the apartment complex and evacuated nearby residents. Police then contacted the man’s parents and confirmed they were safe.

The man who was believed to have made the initial report then exited the apartment with no knowledge of the incident. He cooperated with police and was released after it was determined that he did not make the report.

Further investigation determined that the initial call was made from outside of Canada and was a hoax. 

This type of incident is known as “swatting.” Swatting involves making a false report to police with the intent of prompting a significant police response. False reports like this tie up emergency responders and divert them away from others who may need help.

Halifax Regional Police thank RCMP who assisted with the response and Halifax Transit who provided a bus to be used as a warming shelter for evacuees.

The investigation is ongoing. There have been no charges at this stage.