Beverly Hills hotel victim of ‘swatting’ prank

Sunday, 23 Feb, 2018 0

An upscale Beverly Hills hotel has seemingly become a victim of the ‘swatting’ craze.

Police and an armed SWAT team were deployed to the Peninsular Beverly Hills Hotel after a call reporting a hostage situation in a room.

Police later deemed it to be a prank call.

Beverly Hills police said they received a call early Thursday from a man claiming he was being held against his will by an armed gang in a hotel room.

Hostage negotiators also responded to the scene and Santa Monica Boulevard where the hotel is situated was also closed off.

"There were men with guns in his hotel room and they weren’t letting him leave," said Capt. Lincoln Hoshino.

The bogus call is now being investigated as a ‘report of a false emergency,’ police said, adding that LA resident David Pearce was arrested on suspicion of making a false report of an emergency.

The FBI claims there are about 400 ‘swatting’ cases reported a year.

Early this year one incident turned deadly after an unarmed man was shot dead by Wichita police responding to a prank call.

The caller in that incident has been charged with manslaughter.

below social share icons

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES Mabuhay! Welcome to our archipelago of 7,641 islands where there are endless beaches, lively and fashionable cities,...

Our Mission Ecommerce has transformative powers, and we believe everyone should be able to take part. But outdated solutions and...

If you’re thinking of cruising, there’s a very good chance you’re considering a Carnival cruise. Growing since our founding in...

ITB Asia, Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show, is an annually held B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry; it is designed...

In the heart of Europe, in one of the most innovative cities in the world, at the centre of business,...

Arival advances the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences. We provide events, insights, and community for creators and sellers of...

Nium was founded on the mission to build the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the on-demand...

Global Hotel Alliance brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands for GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme. GHA...

City Cruises is a leading operator of sightseeing, dining and charter services operating in London, York and Poole. We offer...

The Mexico Tourism Board serves as the driving force behind Mexico’s global appeal, orchestrating targeted marketing campaigns to showcase the...

ECOMMPAY is an international payment service provider and direct bank card acquirer, engineering bespoke payment solutions for clients worldwide. Our...