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Broward County, FL - A 22-year-old New Jersey resident has been extradited to Broward County following allegations of making false emergency calls—known as "swatting"—that targeted homes in Parkland.
According to the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO), in August 2024, deputies responded to two separate incidents in Parkland after receiving reports of shootings.
In one instance, the caller claimed a victim had been shot in the chest and was being held hostage; in another, the caller alleged he had shot his sister.
Upon arrival at both scenes, deputies quickly determined that the reports were hoaxes, and no injuries were reported.
Investigators identified the suspect as Justin Flavien of Maywood, New Jersey.
Despite attempts to conceal his identity through various applications, phone numbers, and technologies, BSO's Threat Management Unit and Real Time Crime Center detectives were able to trace the false reports back to him.
BSO detectives coordinated with the Maywood Police Department to execute a search warrant at Flavien's residence, where multiple electronic devices were seized.
Authorities believe Flavien may have committed similar hoaxes across the country.
Flavien was arrested in Maywood on January 21st, 2025, and subsequently extradited to Broward County on February 7th.
He faces two counts of making a false report concerning a bomb, explosive, or weapon of mass destruction, and two counts of using a two-way communication device to facilitate or further the commission of a felony offense.
As of Tuesday, Flavien was no longer listed in the online jail database.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward.