Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Kolten Benedict Williams, 15, has been arrested and charged with two counts of making a false report about using a firearm in a violent manner and two counts of using a two-way communication device to commit a felony after allegedly making multiple “swatting calls.”

According to a video from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO) (click here to hear one of the calls), on Monday, March 17, deputies responded to the 7000 block of SW 43rd Place after receiving a report that a male was holding his family hostage. The caller said he had his wife and child tied up and would kill them if law enforcement did not arrive within five minutes. After deputies made contact with the residents of the house, they determined that the call was a hoax.

On Tuesday, March 18, deputies responded to a similar call in the 4300 block of SW 77th Street. That caller said he was suicidal and was going to kill his mother and had access to an AK-47. The investigation again determined that the call was a hoax.

Deputies noticed similarities between the calls and identified Williams as a suspect.

On the video posted by ASO, a deputy explained to Williams that he was being arrested because he posted “swatting cuz why not” on his Discord account at the same time the 911 call was placed.

During questioning, Williams reportedly admitted being involved in both hoax calls.

ASO Public Information Officer Lisa Sacaccio said, “These hoax calls can put the targeted location, law enforcement, and the community at risk, and it can be alarming as everyone has to be removed for their well-being. Even though the caller may be joking, we take each of these calls seriously.” She encouraged parents to monitor their children’s communication devices.