12-year-old Florida boy subjected to swatting after Fortnite match disputes with out-of-state teenagers

Summary

Two out-of-state teenagers were arrested and extradited to Florida for allegedly "swatting" a 12-year-old boy in Poinciana, Polk County. The 15-year-old from Connecticut and 14-year-old from New York reportedly made false emergency calls after losing a Fortnite match with the victim, who was an online gaming friend. The first call on June 4 falsely reported gunshots at the victim’s home, prompting a police response. A second call on June 5, made by the 14-year-old, falsely claimed a man had killed his family at the residence. Both calls led to law enforcement responses and were later traced to the suspects. The teens are now in custody and face felony charges related to false emergency reports and unlawful use of a communication device.