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.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 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. 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.
x

Check Also

Lynchburg Prevails in Gender Discrimination Suit

The Lynchburg Fire Department has prevailed in a gender discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed by a former female firefighter. Master Firefighter Mary Lynn Shumate brought the suit claiming that she was demoted in 2022 in retaliation for filing a complaint alleging a hostile work environment and bullying.

Washington Appeals Court Rejects Retroactivity of 2018 PTSD Comp Law

The Washington Court of Appeals has ruled against a former firefighter who was seeking workers compensation benefits for PTSD. Frank Shaw served as a firefighter-paramedic from 1989 to 2007 with Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue, an entity that ultimately became Kittitas County Fire and Rescue.