VBPD Makes an Arrest in Multiple Swatting Calls

Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) detectives have charged a man in connection with multiple “swatting” incidents that prompted multiple emergency responses. “Swatting” is the act of falsely reporting a serious emergency, such as a shooting, hostage situation, or other violent crime, to trigger an immediate law enforcement response, often involving the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

Over several weeks, the Virginia Beach Emergency Communications and Citizen Services (ECCS) received several 911 calls from the same phone number reporting violent incidents in progress. Each time, the calls prompted an immediate priority response from first responders. In all cases, the reported emergencies were determined to be false.

Through investigation, detectives identified Jalen Chesson (M/20) of Portsmouth as the individual responsible for making the false reports. He has been charged with three counts of Falsely Summoning Law Enforcement.

Swatting incidents divert critical public safety resources and place both responders and the community at risk.

 

(Note: The charges mentioned in this press release are accusations, and the arrested individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.)