A Michigan gamer accidentally swatted himself during a heated Fortnite session when his broken phone called 911, prompting an entire police response.
Swatting is when someone makes a false emergency call to send armed police to another person’s address, a dangerous “prank” that has led to serious injuries and even deaths.
But in a bizarre twist earlier in August, a Fortnite player ended up becoming his own target after a phone malfunction.
According to reports, the boy’s damaged screen triggered a 911 call mid-game. Believing they had received a report of a possible shooting, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office dispatched every available unit to the residence.
Fortnite player accidentally sends entire police force to his house
Bodycam footage shows deputies surrounding the home, ordering the teen to come out with his hands raised. Officers then told him to lift his shirt to prove he wasn’t armed before placing him in handcuffs.
After the boy’s parents gave police permission to search the property, officers determined there was no threat.
Police surrounded the house after the Fortnite player accidentally called 911.
“Upon further investigation, it was found that the caller’s phone malfunctioned and called 911 while they were playing Fortnite. The residence was checked and showed no signs of a shooting,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
“The kid was just playing the game and somehow his phone became unlocked and called 911,” Jackson County Undersheriff Jeremy Barnett explained. “Hearing the 911 call, it sounded real bad. Thankfully it was just a video game and everything was okay.”
The teen claimed he had no idea he’d called 911, blaming the mistake on his broken screen.
While the situation ended safely, experts warn swatting incidents remain a growing danger. The FBI has previously pledged to crack down on swatters, something creators like Amouranth have described as “progress.”
