Chris Brown a ‘swatting’ victim after fake domestic violence call
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A fake report of domestic violence drew Los Angeles police to singer Chris Brown’s home Monday, authorities said, the latest in a series of ‘swatting’ incidents targeting celebrities.
A caller who contacted police shortly before 5 p.m. told them of a domestic violence situation and said he wasn’t sure whether the singer’s mother had been shot, authorities said.
When officers arrived, only members of Brown’s staff were at the home — the singer was not, police said. His parents arrived after police officers had arrived and searched the home.
The incident was the latest in a string of recent ‘swatting’ incidents targeting the homes of Tom Cruise, Justin Bieber and Ashton Kutcher.
The incidents, a fast-growing phenomenon, are started by anonymous mischief-makers who alert police to a bogus crime, prompting a tactical response — sometimes by SWAT officers — that involves a high-risk search for phantom assailants.
A 12-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the reports involving Bieber and Kutcher.
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— Andrew Blankstein (twitter.com/anblanx)