the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Mahwah NJ, a Mahwah resident has filed a lawsuit against the township, its police department, and three local hunters, alleging he was the victim of a malicious swatting incident that endangered his life and the lives of his loved ones.
The Incident: A False Accusation Turns Dangerous
Christopher Toskos, the plaintiff, recounts a harrowing experience when police surrounded his home with loaded weapons drawn. Officers had responded to a 911 call from three hunters who claimed Toskos had fired a .22-caliber gun at them while wearing a camouflaged “ghillie suit.” The serious accusation triggered a large-scale tactical police response, complete with a perimeter set around Toskos’ home.
When law enforcement finally confronted the alleged shooter, they discovered the claims were false. Toskos was neither arrested nor charged in connection with the incident.
Allegations of Malice and Negligence
Toskos has accused the hunters of orchestrating a “malicious” swatting incident—making a false report to police to provoke an armed response. According to the lawsuit, one of the three men was later charged in 2023 with filing a false report and falsely incriminating another. However, the connection to the swatting incident remains unclear.
The lawsuit also alleges negligence on the part of the Mahwah Police Department. Toskos claims officers pointed loaded firearms at him, his then-girlfriend, and her infant daughter without properly investigating the hunters’ claims. He asserts the department’s actions caused severe emotional distress and violated his Fourth Amendment rights to be safe from unreasonable searches and seizures.
A History of Conflict
Toskos contends that the hunters’ accusations were rooted in a long-standing history of harassment and bias against him. He alleges police relied on knowledge of prior disputes with the hunters to unjustly target him in an incident “that simply did not take place.”
Seeking Justice
In his lawsuit, Toskos is seeking unspecified damages, citing emotional distress, harassment, and violations of his civil rights. He also accuses the township and police department of recklessness in their hiring, training, and supervision of officers, which he claims led to a failure to protect his safety.
Responses from Authorities
Mahwah Police Chief Timothy O’Hara has declined to comment on the pending litigation, while the township’s attorney, Fred Semrau, has not responded to requests for comment.
A Case That Highlights Larger Issues
The lawsuit underscores the serious dangers posed by swatting incidents, where false accusations can escalate into life-threatening situations. It also raises questions about police protocols, investigative procedures, and community safety.
This case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance against malicious false reports and the importance of thorough investigations to prevent tragic outcomes. As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how this incident will shape policies and accountability in Mahwah and beyond.
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