Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Threat Management Unit (TMU) say a 22-year-old New Jersey man has been arrested for making multiple swatting calls, prompting law enforcement responses to false emergencies. 

In August 2024, BSO deputies in Parkland responded to reports of shootings at two different residences. One call said the victim was shot in the chest and being held hostage. In another incident, the caller said he had shot his sister. Once on scene of both incidents, deputies quickly determined the reports were unfounded and no one was injured. Despite the caller’s effort to conceal himself through various applications, phone numbers and technology, BSO’s TMU investigators and Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) detectives were able to identify the subject who made the false report as Justin Flavien of Maywood, New Jersey. TMU investigators coordinated with the Maywood Police Department to obtain search warrants for his residence. As a result, multiple electronic devices were located, and it was discovered that Flavien may have committed similar hoaxes throughout the country.

On Jan. 21, Flavien was taken into custody by the Maywood Police Department. On Friday, February 7, he was extradited to Broward County. He faces two counts of making a false report concerning a bomb, explosive or weapon of mass destruction and two counts of use of a two-way communication device to facilitate or further the commission of a felony offense.