MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A Ruskin man has been arrested and charged in connection with an elaborate “swatting” incident that prompted a large law enforcement response to a Key Largo residence last month.
Leonardo Javier Barrera, 20, was taken into custody in Hillsborough County, Florida, on October 15, 2025. He faces charges including unlawful use of a two-way communication device and giving false information concerning the commission of a felony.
The charges stem from a 911 call made on September 6, 2025, reporting a dire situation at a home on 3rd Road. The caller falsely claimed to be suicidal and armed with a Glock, threatening to kill himself. The caller also alleged he had his family tied up in the basement and would detonate a bomb if anyone attempted to open the door.
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The Sheriff’s Office immediately dispatched a significant number of officers. Upon investigation, authorities determined the call was a “swatting” incident—an illegal and dangerous prank where a false emergency report is made to 911 to draw a massive response from a Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team or other law enforcement to a specific address.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
Investigation and Confession
Detectives leveraged online communications and digital evidence to identify Barrera as the suspect. The investigation was further aided by an admission he allegedly made on the social media platform, Snapchat.
Sheriff Rick Ramsay commented on the seriousness of the crime. “These types of crimes are becoming more common and are very dangerous to law enforcement as well as the public,” said Sheriff Ramsay. “Those who commit them can expect to be arrested.”
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Swatting, a practice often linked to online disputes or harassment, carries severe penalties due to the considerable risk it poses to the public, the targets, and the responding officers.
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