Ohio lawmakers passed a bill last year that was meant to deter the waste of law enforcement resources by adding criminal penalties for those convicted of placing “swatting” prank calls. At least four Ohio officials were victims of just such calls on one day last month.

According to a report by WBNS, a 9-1-1 dispatcher received this call:

“Hello, I just shot my wife with an AR-15. My name is Jamal and I just shot my wife with an AR-15,” with the call allegedly coming from political leaders’ homes, including state Rep. Kevin Miller, R-Dist. 69; former state Rep. Rick Carfagna; state Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-Dist. 19; and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

Miller, who also is a former commander for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, told WBNS about a dozen Licking County Sheriff’s deputies showed up at his door Dec. 26 while he was home with his family.

“Officers put themselves at risk each and every day. For someone to pull off a hoax like this, putting them at risk, the other motorists at risk. It is very aggravating,” Miller said.

While Ohio’s law makes swatting a fourth-degree felony (unless there is injury, and then it is a second-degree felony), it appears as though some people are reckless enough not to be deterred by such consequences.

Brenner, who was the victim of two swatting calls that day, told WBNS he would like to talk to congressional leaders about adding federal penalties for swatting. Harsher penalties for the crime are certainly warranted, and Congress should, indeed, take a look at them.

Meanwhile, Miller says he hopes those responsible for targeting state officials will be caught and held responsible for their actions. It may not be easy to track down such callers, but every effort must be made. They are wasting time and public resources, and putting lives at risk. That is no laughing matter.