HELTONVILLE— A Mitchell man is facing false informing charges after allegedly pulling a fire alarm at Transitions Recovery, 580 Diamond Road, in Heltonville.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Deputy Travis Atchison of the Lawrence County Police Department, Billy Kinser, 38, is accused of activating the fire alarm on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at approximately 11:30 a.m., prompting a response from Pleasant Run Fire and EMS.
The owner of Transitions Recovery reported the incident to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department. The owner reported that Kinser, a facility resident, had pulled the fire alarm lever and left the premises. The owner indicated that he wished to press charges.
Deputy Atchison responded to the scene and spoke with the owner, reiterating that Kinser had pulled the alarm and fled. He also informed Deputy Atchison that the incident was captured on video surveillance, a portion of which was recorded on the deputy’s body-worn camera.
“Upon the arrival of firefighters and EMS, it was discovered there was no emergency as one of the residents of 580 Diamond Road had activated the fire alarm by pulling the Fire Alarm lever,” Deputy Atchison stated in the affidavit.
The owner also told the deputy that Kinser had left the property before the officer arrived. No damage was reported as a result of the incident.
Deputy Atchison informed Ford that a report would be submitted to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office, recommending a charge of false informing, a violation of Indiana Code 35-44-1-2-3(D)(2).
The affidavit requests a review of the charges by the prosecutor’s office.
Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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