OKEECHOBEE — A local woman was charged with misuse of 911 after reportedly calling 911 multiple times when there was no emergency.

ON March 10 at approximately 7 p.m., Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Cauley was dispatched to a home on Northeast Fifth Trail in reference to a domestic dispute. According to his report, he found a man and woman sitting quietly on the front porch when he arrived. There were numerous beer bottles near them and a strong odor of alcohol on the woman’s breath. When Cauley asked what the problem was, she said, “He’s a pain in my ass, and he needs to leave.” She pointed at the man sitting with her. Cauley asked if there was some type of emergency and both said no. Cauley then explained 911 is for emergency use only and not to call again unless it was an emergency or she would be arrested.

Less than two hours later, the woman called 911 again saying she wanted the man to leave. Cauley was again dispatched to the home, where he found no emergency and arrested the woman on the misdemeanor charge of abuse of the 911 system. She was later released on her own recognizance.