Jeff Metcalf, father of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf who was fatally stabbed at a high school track meet earlier this month, was the target of a swatting incident on Thursday evening, just hours after he was escorted from a press conference held by the family of the accused, Karmelo Anthony.
Swatting involves making a false emergency call to provoke a large police response to a specific address. According to Frisco police, officers responded to a report of gunshots at the Metcalf residence, only to find no evidence of any disturbance. Jeff Metcalf was not home at the time but arrived shortly after police had secured the scene. Authorities confirmed the call was a hoax.
Earlier that day, Metcalf appeared uninvited at a press conference in Dallas organized by the family of Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old charged with his son’s murder. The event, hosted by the Next Generation Action Network, was delayed due to Metcalf’s presence. Dallas police escorted him out after he was asked to leave.
Dominique Alexander, president of the activist group, criticized Metcalf’s attendance, stating it was “a disrespect to the dignity of his son.” Karla Hayes, Anthony’s mother, expressed condolences to the Metcalf family but also highlighted the harassment her own family has faced since the incident.
Karmelo Anthony was released from custody earlier this week after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000. He is currently under house arrest with an ankle monitor and is prohibited from contacting the Metcalf family. Anthony has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the April 2 incident.
The swatting incident is under investigation, and authorities are working to identify the individual responsible for the false emergency call.
