(OPP photo, Facebook)
The Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a false emergency call that prompted a significant police response at a business in Pembroke Thursday afternoon.
The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP says officers received a call from an unknown individual at approximately 3:20 p.m. on November 5, reporting an active shooter at a business on Pembroke Street West.
Officers responded to the scene and conducted an investigation, determining that no shooting had taken place and nobody had been injured.
The incident was later confirmed to be a so-called “swatting” call, which involves deliberately providing false or misleading information to emergency services to trigger a high-risk response.
The management team at Mobeez Play Planet in the West End Plaza addressed rumours circulating on social media about a shooting at the business, confirming in a Facebook post Thursday evening that no shooting or fatalities had been reported.
The post acknowledged that a significant police presence had been observed in the area, but said officers reportedly cleared the scene approximately 15 minutes after arriving.
Management said it understands incidents like this can cause concern and confusion, emphasizing that the safety of customers, their families and the community is a priority.
The business also urged residents not to spread unconfirmed information, warning that misinformation can cause unnecessary panic. It noted that its social media update was not an official statement from the OPP.
Police say the Pembroke incident is similar to previous swatting calls in Barry’s Bay in February 2026 and Pembroke in May 2026.
The OPP says incidents of this nature are treated seriously, with significant police resources deployed to ensure public safety. Police also warn that making a false emergency call is a criminal offence and those responsible could face serious charges.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP at 613-732-3332.
(Steve Berard)
