14-year-old from Canada arrested in swatting incident at Bethlehem school

A 14-year-old from Canada has been arrested in connection with the threats against Bethlehem High School, the FBI and Bethlehem police announced Monday.

FBI Special Agent Craig Tremaroli said investigators believe the teen is responsible for dozens of hoaxes at schools, restaurants, government organizations, police departments, airports and universities. Additionally, he is accused of targeting a national suicide hotline and civilians in twelve states and multiple locations in Canada.

“Thanks to the coordination and cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies, both national and international, today that reign of chaos comes to an end,” Officer Tremaroli said at a news conference.

Bethlehem Police Chief Gina Cocchiara said the investigation began on September 10 when the department received the first of 11 calls making threats against the school. One call was made to the Bethlehem High School Counseling Center.

Tremaroli said data analysis first led the investigation to Texas, where they called the FBI El Paso Field Office to help interview the owners of the home where the IP address was traced.

After further investigation, police determined that the suspect did not live in Texas.

“This case was extremely complex as the individual involved used technology to spoof IP addresses and telephone numbers, which required resources from several field offices,” Tremaroli said.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police and Bridgewater Police assisted in the investigation.

Last Friday, multiple search warrants were executed in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Tremaroli said he believes the number of affected locations will grow after police investigate the multiple electronic devices that were seized.

The suspect has been charged with the following Canadian charges: public unrest, uttering threats, fraudulent use of a computer, indecent communication of mischief.

The suspect was sent to a juvenile detention facility until his next court appearance. Because he is a minor, his name is not being released.

Cocchiara said she is proud to “close this chapter” with their partners at the FBI.

“I understand that such incidents can leave parents, students and teachers feeling vulnerable, anxious and in some cases traumatized. It is important for me to recognize the emotional toll this has taken on our community,” she said.