Updated March 1, 2011 11:17 p.m.
The Greenville County Sheriff's Office has charged Clark with three additional counts of Unlawful Use of 911. Clark is currently being held at the Greenville County Detention Center on $3,000.
Update Feb. 19, 2011
The Greenville County Sheriff's Office has arrested and charged 24 year old Freddie James Clark for Unlawful Use of 911. Investigators state that on February 6, 2011 Clark dialed 911 and falsely reported at fire at Ruby Tuesday Restaurant located at 3025 Wade Hampton Blvd. The Wade Hampton Fire Department did respond to the scene in which there was no fire.
Investigators are continuing to look into several other false reports of fires which came in through the usage of 911 also. Clark has been placed in the Greenville County Detention Center on a $1,000 Bond.
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Prank calls are taking precious time away from at least two area fire departments.
Wade Hampton fire officials say someone is calling 9-1-1 and reporting fires that don't exist at area businesses.
According to wade Hampton’s assistant fire chief there have been at least eight false calls along Wade Hampton Blvd. covered by either the Wade Hampton or Taylors Fire Department.
Assistant Wade Hampton Fire Chief Billy Smith says the Greenville County Sheriff's Office is investigating.
He says when firefighters have to go out to a false call it takes them away from being able to get to a real emergency.
Smith says every time they rush to a scene there is potential danger for all involved.
“That's what's so dangerous about a false call… These guys are trained that every intersection they've got to slow down and look both ways and obey the speed limit. But accidents happen; especially when you're running an emergency and you’re adrenaline is flowing,” says Smith.
Besides the dangers of racing to an emergency scene, these fake calls cost you, the tax payer. Smith estimates it costs $150 per hour, per truck. So if six trucks are called out, it cost close to a thousand dollars for a false call.
According to the South Carolina statutes for making a false call, if convicted the guilty party could get six months in prison and or a $200 fine.
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