Florida Teen Charged In Germantown Swatting Incidents, Police Say

GERMANTOWN, MD — Montgomery County police said a 17-year-old boy from Florida has been charged in connection with swatting incidents targeting a Germantown residence.

Police said its Threat Assessment and Behavioral Solutions Unit investigated two false emergency reports tied to the same home on Severndale Terrace.

A release issued by the department said 5th District officers first reported to the home on Nov. 22, 2025, for a report of a shooting that was initially described as an active shooter outside the home.

Police found no evidence of such an incident. The homeowner also told officers she did not know about a shooting.

The second incident happened this year, on Jan. 23. This time, however, a caller claimed there was an active shooter and hostages inside the home, according to police. The family also informed investigators that they had received repeated unwanted food deliveries.

An investigation into the calls ultimately traced the authorities to a phone number and IP address in Orlando, Florida, and identified the caller as a 17-year-old boy.

The teen, police said, was charged April 28 with two counts of knowingly making false reports of crimes or emergencies to authorities with reckless disregard for causing bodily harm and two counts of making a false statement to a law enforcement officer.

Police did not detail a motive.

The case was referred to the Department of Juvenile Services for disposition.