2 juveniles charged in Issaquah swatting incident targeting ex-girlfriend

Charges have been submitted Tuesday for two juveniles in Issaquah connected to a fake 911 emergency call reporting a domestic violence situation against a former girlfriend of a suspect, the Issaquah Police Department (IPD) confirmed.

In April, IPD officers responded to a reported weapons offense in the Issaquah Highlands after a 911 call claimed an active domestic violence situation involving a firearm was taking place. The call also alleged threats to kill family members within a home were made.

The severity of the report prompted an immediate, full-scale emergency response by law enforcement. IPD secured the scene and contacted an adult resident of the listed address.

Shortly after the officer’s arrival, it was determined that no incident like the one reported had occurred. The resident confirmed his children were out of the state, and the report was false.

Issaquah ‘swatting’ attempt prompts months-long investigation

In the months following the incident, detectives conducted a thorough investigation that involved analyzing phone forensics, CCTV footage, and multiple search warrants. The investigation led to IPD discovering the fake report was made using a “911-only” phone, an inactive wireless device that was used from a nearby location.

Surveillance footage showed a vehicle arriving and departing from the location at the same time the call was made.

The investigation linked the vehicle in the footage to a juvenile male. By using digital forensics and interviews, IPD later determined the report was a “swatting,” a prank call with the intent of provoking a major emergency response.

“Swatting is not a prank; it’s a dangerous criminal act that puts lives at risk,” Investigations and Patrol Commander Travis Neese said. “These false reports waste emergency resources, traumatize victims, and create potentially deadly situations for officers and innocent bystanders.”

Ultimately, one juvenile admitted to driving to the scene as another juvenile used the recently purchased “911-only” phone to place the false report.

The motive of the call was determined to be a “troll” — someone intentionally starting an argument or disruption — targeting a former girlfriend of one of the suspects involved. After the call was made, the phone was discarded in Lake Sammamish as an attempt to destroy the evidence.

The investigation further revealed a pattern of ongoing harassment by the suspects, specifically targeting the victim. The harassment included threats, online impersonation, unauthorized releases of personal information, and a cyberbullying campaign using fake social media posts.

“This incident highlights the very real dangers of swatting and the lasting harm it can cause, not only to the targeted individuals but to the entire community. These acts are not jokes; they are serious crimes with serious consequences,” Issaquah Police Chief Paula Schwan said. “We are committed to ensuring that those who endanger public safety and misuse emergency services are held accountable.”

IPD has submitted charges to the King County Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office for threats to bomb or injure property.

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