On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., police responded to a residence on William Street in Cobourg after receiving a report that two individuals were involved in a dispute where one reportedly drew a handgun and fired a single shot into the air.

While police were responding, further information was received that the suspect had fled the scene in a vehicle armed with the firearm. Police immediately located a vehicle matching the description given, leaving the area of the call. Officers conducted a high-risk vehicle stop in the area of Elgin Street West and Ontario Street. All occupants of the vehicle were detained and searched. No firearm was located.

After further investigation, it was determined that the incident did not occur and appeared to be a “swatting” incident. Police are continuing to investigate.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Cobourg Police Service at 905-372-6821 or provide an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at stopcrimehere.ca.

Swatting is a criminal act where false or misleading information is provided to police to prompt an emergency response, often to someone’s home, business, or school. These calls divert critical police and emergency resources and place officers and community members at unnecessary risk. Anyone found responsible for swatting incidents can face serious criminal charges.