Just A Prank, Bro

Cop Who Killed Man After ‘Swat’ Hoax Call Won’t Be Charged

“Swatting” prank from California sent officers to unsuspecting Wichita man’s home.

A police officer who shot and killed a Kansas homeowner at his front door after a hoax emergency call will not be charged. Andrew Finch, 28, was killed Dec. 28 when police responded to a prank 911 call from California about a shooting and kidnapping at Finch’s home in Wichita. The stunt, called “swatting,” uses caller-ID spoofing and social-engineering techniques to send emergency crews rushing to the home of a perceived enemy. Authorities said Finch, who had no clear connection to the prank caller, was shot by an officer who reported having seen Finch lower his hands toward his waist. The man was pronounced dead at a hospital. Lawyers for Finch’s family said: “The family is devastated and disappointed by the district attorney’s decision. Andy Finch was unjustifiably and unconstitutionally executed in the sanctity of his own home.” The man accused of pulling the prank, Tyler Raj Barriss (pictured), 25, of Los Angeles, remains in jail on charges of involuntary manslaughter, creating a false alarm, and interference with a law-enforcement officer.