A computer game rivalry may be the motive behind two “swatting” incidents that recently occurred at a Yorkville home, police said.
Units from several local departments were called to a home in the 4000 block of Sarasota Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday for reports of a shooting that was allegedly underway inside.
“You get a call like that, and you take it very seriously,” Yorkville Deputy Chief Larry Hilt said. “You send everyone you have, and send backup. It takes up all of your resources.”
The call ended up being bogus, Hilt said, and was possibly made as a result of a video game rivalry.
“It sounds like the (victim’s) son is into programming video games and this might be some kind of competitor,” Hilt said.
The department is hoping that subpoenaed phone records might lead them to the suspect.
Hilt said he believes the same person might be responsible for a similar call Yorkville police recently responded to the Sarasota address.
The activity is called “swatting,” Hilt said.
“It’s a newer trend. They call and report stuff so all the cops in the area show up,” Hilt said. “For whatever reason they think it’s funny or something. We definitely don’t feel like it is.”
Hilt said the department has responded to several previous “swatting” incidents unrelated to the Sarasota call.
“If we can pin it down to whoever it is, we’ll check into criminal charges,” Hilt said.
“This takes a toll on the department, and the people living in the house,” he said. “Imagine a dozen officers show up at your home for no reason at all. I’m sure it’s pretty nerve-wracking.”