Call to police about homicide in Pembroke turned out to be fake, OPP say

An Ontario Provincial Police crest is pictured on an officer's uniform. (Supplied)

Ontario Provincial Police say a call last week reporting a homicide in Pembroke turned out to be fake and is now being investigated as “swatting.”

Police were called at around 6 p.m. on May 6 on reports someone had been killed at a home in Pembroke. Upon arrival, officers found no one had been injured or killed.

“Police have confirmed the incident to be a swatting call, similar to a previous occurrence in Barry’s Bay in February 2026,” the OPP said in a news release, adding the caller likely used a fake name.

“Swatting” is the process of calling in a fake emergency that prompts a significant response from emergency services.

The incident in Pembroke occurred a day after Ottawa police responded to a suspected swatting threat at All Saints Catholic High School. The incident in Barry’s Bay in February police referenced involved a call indicating someone had been shot, which turned out to be false.

Police warn that placing a false emergency call is a criminal offence, and individuals responsible may face serious charges.

So far, it is unknown who made the call in Pembroke.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP at 613-732-3332 or Pembroke/Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at https://www.valleytips.ca.

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