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Twitch streamer 'DrDisrespect' falls victim to apparent 'swatting'

Posted at 5:58 PM, Sep 11, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-11 21:03:34-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Popular Twitch streamer "DrDisrespect" abruptly ended a stream after an apparent "swatting" incident.

In an archived video of the live stream on March 14, the popular video game streamer told viewers he'd be back in a few minutes. A while later, he still had not returned.

The video shows his streaming chair empty before San Diego Sheriff's Department deputies arrived at the residence yelling "Sheriff's Department."

The stream then goes offline. "DrDisrespect " did not respond to the alleged incident, according to gaming website Dexerto.

The call appeared to be a "swatting" incident, in which local authorities are called to a residence over a fake threat. The suspect(s) behind swatting calls will call in a threat severe enough for authorities to respond with armored personnel or a large presence.

The act has become more common with the rise in video game streaming's popularity.

Andrew Finch, 28, was killed in Wichita, Kan., after a swatting call brought authorities to the wrong residence in December 2017. Finch was not armed or involved with video game streaming.