Police in Dothan say they believe a man repeatedly made false emergency calls designed to draw a heavy first responder response.
DOTHAN, Ala. -Police in Dothan say they believe a man repeatedly made false emergency calls designed to draw a heavy first responder response. Court records show 28-year-old Javarius Marqurise Burden is charged with one count of swatting, accused of calling authorities Sunday to report a robbery and burglary with shots fired, according to charging documents.
Investigators say the call wasn’t an isolated incident. A Dothan police spokesperson said Burden is suspected of making as many as 50 similar calls over the past year, each one potentially forcing officers and other emergency crews to respond. The case comes as swatting is drawing renewed attention nationwide. In 2025, Alabama lawmakers passed legislation that makes many swatting cases felonies.
And in recent days, other U.S. cities have reported swatting calls that prompted closures at schools, beaches and even a zoo. For now, Burden faces a single swatting charge. Police have not said whether they plan to seek additional charges. As of 4:00 a.m. Tuesday, Burden awaiting booking into the Houston County Jail after which a booking photo will be added to this article.
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