Halifax police are investigating after a fake call from outside of the country from a man who claimed to have shot his father and was holding his mother hostage at gunpoint.
Police say it was around 12:30 a.m. when the report came in from the man who said he was living in an apartment complex on River Lane in Bedford.
Once on scene, officers evacuated the building and contacted the man’s parents, confirming they were safe.
The man who was believed to have made the call, left the apartment not knowing what happened and cooperated with police after it was determined he did not make the report.
Police say that this type of incident is known as “swatting”; making a false report to police to prompt a significant response and tie up first responders.
Police thank RCMP who helped out and Halifax Transit who provided a bus to be used as a warming shelter.
No charges have been laid at this time.
