On this weeks' W5: An investigation into alarming incidents that seem to be happening more and more in big cities -- tactical teams responding to a crisis like a gunman at large or a hostage taking.

But in some cases, the calls are sophisticated fakes, a hoax by hackers.

It's happening so often now it has a name: swatting. Watch the episode in our player above.


Supporting documents and links:

Map of SWAT locations where 'Obnoxious' either pleaded guilty to, or SWATs we know about from speaking directly with the victims. Map by W5's Jasna Baric.

W5 Swatting Map (Jasna Baric / 麻豆影视)

 

Provincial Court of British Columbia: "Obnoxious's" sentencing decision


 

Full transcript of Mir Islam's sentencing hearing, in 2 parts

Part 1

 

Part 2

 

Mir Islam exits the Manhattan Federal Court

Mir Islam exits the Manhattan Federal Court in New York on June 26, 2012 (Reuters / Eduardo Munoz )


Letter from Mir Islam to the judge, ahead of his sentencing decision, in which he expresses remorse


 

YouTube video of a live-streamed call by "Obnoxious" to the Grove City Police. WARNING: LANGUAGE