Augusta, GA
Investigators: Augusta teen firefighter accused of fake fire inspections, illegal firearms
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – A 19-year-old employee of the Augusta Fire Department accused of unauthorized inspections has been arrested and is facing charges.
Tyrone Antonio Harris, Jr. has been charged with five counts of Impersonating a Public Officer or Employee.
Each bond has a charge of $9,000.
Earlier this month, the Richmond County School System sent a statement saying authorities were investigating after an Augusta Fire Department employee allegedly visited several schools and conducted what appeared to be fire inspections.
The schools Harris allegedly visited on April 27th include:
- Jamestown Elementary School
- Hephzibah Middle School
- Hephzibah High School
- Morgan Road Alternative School
He also reportedly also stopped by AAA Gun and Pawn Broker on Tobacco Road on that date.
On May 13, both Augusta Fire Department and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the situation was under investigation.
AFD reportedly informed RCSO they intended to put Harris on Administrative Leave for the incident in question.
The Deputy Fire Chief also expressed concern about social media posts about firearms that Harris is alleged to have posted earlier in the morning May 13th.
The photo shown to the investigator allegedly showed Harris posing with two Glocks, both of which appeared to have been converted via a “Glock switch” to allow the firearm to function as a fully automatic weapon, also known as a machine pistol, according to the incident report filed in the case.
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office confirmed this week that the case had been referred to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, operated through the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire.
WJBF has reached out to the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, but a spokesperson responded to our inquiry, saying, “Our investigation into Mr. Harris remains ongoing. We cannot comment further on active investigations.”
This is a developing story.