B.C. teen arrested in sprinkler prank calls
The Canadian Press
Posted: Mar 11, 2011 3:24 PM PT
Last Updated: Mar 11, 2011 4:46 PM PT
Mumbai Masala restaurant owner Lalit Sharma says some of his kitchen equipment was ruined when a prank call prompted him to release fire-suppressing foam in his kitchen. (CBC)
A 16-year-old Surrey, B.C. boy could be facing almost 20 charges over prank calls made to businesses telling people to turn on their fire sprinklers.
Several calls last month by a person pretending to be a fire marshall or safety inspector persuaded people to trigger the water systems, soaking at least three North Vancouver restaurants and one hotel room, causing $100,000 damage.
Police say they're recommending 19 counts under a law that makes it an offence to make phone calls to create an alarm or nuisance.
Police got several tips from across the country that pointed to the suspect, who was arrested in Nanaimo, said Cpl. Peter DeVries, of North Vancouver RCMP.
DeVries said the boy is known to police as a result of similar behaviour. He cannot be named because he is a young offender.
DeVries said the boy's actions mimic some those featured on prank websites.
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