KANSAS CITY, MO. — The state lawmaker who tested the crisis hotline will not face criminal charges, according to the Cole County Prosecutor's Office.
On Feb. 20, three police agencies responded to a call from the crisis hotline.
A woman claimed she had a gun to her head.
It took nearly 20 minutes for law enforcement to learn the call was bogus, and placed by State Rep. Tricia Byrnes (R - 63rd District, Wentzville).
Byrnes told police she dialed the 988 hotline to test the durability of the system.
"I am thankful that the Prosecutor’s Office found that I acted in my Legislative Capacity and in good faith during my legislative investigation into the chats bots and automations on the 988 text-line," Byrnes said in a press release Wednesday. "I am committed to enhancing the 988 Lifeline and appreciate the dedication of all involved, including dispatchers and first responders."
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