Swatting incident in St. Thomas

St. Thomas Police Service headquarters (CTV News London File Photo)

St. Thomas police were notified of an armed individual in a residence on Axford Parkway on Thursday morning, at approximately 7:30 a.m.

Officers responded, containing the area and conducting a thorough search of the residence.

After confirming there was no threat, an investigation revealed the call was an attempt to mislead police and cause an emergency response.

In a news release, police say the false report, known as swatting, "diverts valuable emergency resources away from real incidents and creates unnecessary risk for both the public and first responders."

Police continue to investigate the incident, and look to charge the one responsible with public mischief.