Civil SuitCriminal Law

Parents Sue SC Fire Chief Claiming He Pursued and Threatened Teens with Gun

A South Carolina fire chief and his son have been sued by the parents of two teenagers who claim the chief pursued their car, stopped them, pointed a gun at them, and ordered them to lie on the ground. The incident reportedly occurred last summer and was precipitated by the teens turning around in a driveway.

The driveway belonged to Townville Fire Chief Billy McAdams. Chief McAdams reported that he had several break-ins prior to the incident, and he believed the teens were somehow involved. He reported the chase over the radio to Anderson County Dispatch. The teens meanwhile called 911, but were connected to Oconee County 911.

A copy of the complaint is not available, and it is not clear what court the suit was filed it. According to Fox Carolina, the suit alleges false imprisonment, assault, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 50 years of fire service experience and 40 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. Besides his law degree, he has a MS in Forensic Psychology. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.

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