There’s plenty to dislike about a salad but that’s not enough to warrant a call to 911.
That’s what RCMP is saying after being called to a home in the Halifax Regional Municipality last night after a young man called 911, not once, but twice, because of what was put in his salad.
Corporal Dal Hutchinson, media relations with the RCMP, says the 12-year-old boy first called to complain about what was in the salad, then called back to determine whether police were en route.
Once they arrived, police sat down with the young man and his guardians to have a chat.
“They spoke to the child about the misuse of 911 and what 911’s purpose (is).”
Hutchinson says those types of calls are not uncommon, often from adults.
“On more than one occasion we’ve received 911 calls from people unable to locate their remote control,” says Hutchinson, adding that alcohol is often a factor.
“We’ve had people call 911 because there wasn’t enough donair meat on their donair.”
In those cases, police issue a ticket for over $600 for misusing 911.
It’s important though, to go to all calls as Hutchinson says they’ve sometimes had people call with odd requests or non-complaints, and when police arrive it turns out to be a domestic issue or an assault.
Police didn’t fine the young man.
“Hopefully this was an opportunity, and a learning lesson for this young person,” says Hutchinson.
Hutchinson says he prefers chicken or steak in his salad, but he doesn’t call 911 when he doesn’t get what he likes, and adds that it’s important for young people to eat their vegetables.
Story by Brittany Wentzell
@BrittWentzell
