SAN ANTONIO -- It's supposed to be used for emergencies only, but 911 centers across Texas are being inundated with calls one might laugh at if not for the fact that they could be putting you in danger.
In Haltom City, one woman called 911 to complain about the shrimp fried rice she ordered from a local fast food restaurant.
The caller told the 911 dispatcher, "I asked him to give me extra shrimp and or can I get my money back and he started hollering so I said I'm going to call the police."
Per department policy, a Haltom City police officer was sent out to the restaurant where he found plate of shrimp fried rice and a caller who was long gone.
In Kerrville, 53-year-old Elsa Benson called 911 to complain about her husband.
"She had called because her husband did not want to eat his supper," said Kerrville Police Department Officer Paul Gonzales.
This wasn’t the first time Benson had called 911, and after 30 calls in six months the Kerrville Police Department arrested Benson for 911 abuse.
Many cities have to take a similar tough stance on 911 abuse.
"When it gets busy we don't have time to be answering calls that shouldn't be through our 911 center" said Lt. Max Weltens of the San Antonio Fire Department.
He said even a seemingly innocent call could delay help, and when there’s an emergency there’s no time to be put on hold.
