OHIO — A 33-year-old man was arrested Friday in connection with a false police “swatting” report in Elyria, according to authorities.
In a press release, the Elyria Police Department said Jeremy Oster was stopped by Lorain Police Department officers while driving on Leavitt Road. At the scene, Oster admitted to police that he made the swatting call in an effort to assist a friend.
Police said Oster was taken into custody and charged with swatting and inducing panic. He was transported to the Lorain County Jail, where he is being held without bond pending his initial court appearance.
According to the release, investigators believe the false call was made as a diversion while officers were searching for a wanted person at the time of the incident.
“The Elyria Police Department takes these incidents seriously, as swatting not only wastes critical public safety resources but also puts citizens and officers at risk,” the department said.
