Austin Metcalf’s family in Frisco targeted by 3rd ‘swatting’ call
FRISCO, Texas - The family of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, who was fatally stabbed at a Frisco track meet, was targeted by yet another "swatting" call, police confirmed.
CONTINUED COVERAGE: Frisco Track Meet Stabbing
Metcalf Family Swatting Incidents
What we know:
Frisco police confirmed that officers responded to a call about a gunshot on Monday at a home linked to the Metcalf family.
But when officers got there, they determined there was no shooting.
Instead, Frisco police called it a "swatting" incident, which is when a false report is made to law enforcement to prompt an emergency response.
This is the third time the Metcalfs have been subjected to swatting.
There were incidents on April 8 and April 17 that happened at each of Metcalf’s parents' homes.
Dad talks about Austin Metcalf's death | FULL INTERVIEW
The father of a Frisco teenager who was fatally stabbed during a school track meet spoke to FOX 4's Amelia Jones. He talked about the type of person 17-year-old Austin Metcalf was. He also said Austin's twin brother saw what happened and tried to save him, but there was nothing he could do. "My son watched his brother die in his arms."
What we don't know:
Police have not said if they have any information about the origin of the call.
Frisco Track Meet Stabbing
Karmelo Anthony release, Austin Metcalf funeral: RECAP
A look back at coverage of the Frisco track meet stabbing from the last week, including Austin Metcalf's funeral, suspect Karmelo Anthony being released on bond and a news conference held by the suspect's family.
The backstory:
Austin Metcalf, a junior at Memorial High School in Frisco, was killed at a UIL District 11-5A track meet at Kuykendall Stadium on April 2.
Police said a student from Centennial High School in Frisco, Karmelo Anthony, stabbed Metcalf in the chest during a fight.
An arrest report said that Anthony told a school resource officer that Metcalf "put his hands" on him. After the officer mentioned to others that he had the alleged suspect in custody, the report states Anthony said, "I’m not alleged. I did it."
The report states Anthony also asked the officers, "Is he going to be okay?" And he "asked if what happened could be considered self-defense."
Witnesses told police that Anthony was sitting under the Memorial High School tent and was told to leave. Anthony allegedly told Metcalf "touch me and see what happens," according to an arrest warrant affidavit. One witness told police that Metcalf then pushed Anthony to get him out of the tent. Anthony then reached into a bag and stabbed Metcalf.
Anthony was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Karmelo Anthony’s family speaks publicly for first time
For the first time since their son's arrest, the family of the teenager accused in the stabbing death of another at a Frisco track meet on April 2, spoke to the public.
His bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000. Shortly after, his family posted the bond, and Anthony was placed on house arrest.
He was moved to an "undisclosed location to ensure his safety," his family’s representative said on Monday.
The Dallas civil rights group Next Generation Action Network claims Anthony’s family is also being harassed and received threats last weekend.
What is swatting?
Big picture view:
A ‘swatting’ call is when someone alerts law enforcement to false threat made with the intention of harassing a person or group of people while deceiving police and emergency services.
Making a false report is usually considered a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to year in jail and maximum $4,000 fine.
There are bills currently in the Texas Legislature to increase the punishment.
The Source: The information in this story comes from the Frisco Police Department, as well as Collin County court records, representatives for the Metcalf and Anthony families, and past news coverage.