It’s common knowledge that multiplayer battles in the Call of Duty series can become quite heated, especially when participating in some of the more competitive modes. This generally aggressive attitude can unfortunately result in overboard behavior, such as furious insults or in more extreme cases, the practice of “swatting”. The despicable prank sends unsuspecting law enforcement to a rival player’s house, usually ending in forceful arrest, but one recent instance has resulted with much greater tragedy.

Following an insult-laden exchange, two Call of Duty players attempted to up the ugly ante by threatening to ‘swat’ each other. All were just words until one users’ supposed address was posted online, resulting in police arriving to the Wichita, Kansas home under the impression of a hostage situation. Upon seeing someone exit the house, an officer expecting a dangerous shooter shot an killed the unsuspecting, and innocent, man by the name of Andrew Finch.

It wasn’t until after this violent outcome that police found the Wichita home was devoid of any danger, and was just an average family made victim by swatting. This horrible event is made even worse upon discovering the home had nothing to do with the petty exchange, and was a fake address used in attempt to scare an online rival.

While swatting has always been viewed as a terrible act, never before has it resulted in the death of an innocent man. Wichita investigators are looking into this incident as a serious crime, with potentially significant consequences in store for whoever is responsible for the hoax. Meanwhile, the Finch family is understandably confused by this devastation, deserving nothing but justice for their lost loved one and unending support through their tragedy.

What do you think? Will this horrible instance of swatting stop others from attempting it in the future, or are bottom-dwellers incapable of learning from mistakes? Should the police officer be held more accountable? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day.