It is illegal to misuse emergency 9-1-1 number

At about 5:00 a.m. this morning, St Johns County deputies arrested a 28-year-old St Augustine man for misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Historic City News has also learned that he is also facing 16-counts of misuse of the emergency 9-1-1 system.

Nicholas Ray Oster, who resides at 1408 Highland Boulevard in St Augustine, now knows that the emergency telephone number must be used solely for emergency communications by the public.

In Florida, a person commits a first-degree misdemeanor if they dial the telephone number 9-1-1 for the purpose of making a false alarm, or complaint, or report false information that could result in the emergency response of any public safety agency.

It is also a violation to knowingly use, or attempt to use, such service for a purpose other than obtaining public safety assistance, or to avoid any charge for service.

Oster remains in custody this evening in lieu of $8,500 bail.