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  • 4 Arrested In 'Fire In The Hole' Hot Sauce Prank At Drive-Through

    POSTED: 4:10 pm EDT August 6, 2007
    UPDATED: 4:32 pm EDT August 16, 2007

    YouTube has the latest must-watch videos, but police in North Huntingdon said one prank inspired by the popular Web site is no laughing matter.

    On Thursday morning, police said four teenagers have been arrested after somebody yelled "Fire in the hole" and threw a liquid mixture with hot sauce at a restaurant employee earlier this month.

    In surveillance video from Aug. 3, a red pickup truck is seen pulling up to the drive-through window of the Subway restaurant on Jacktown Hill.

    According to police, a young male in the truck ordered food and paid for it before throwing the hot-sauced drink at the Subway employee.

    Police said the employee's eyes began burning and teared up.

    "He has the drink in his hand," said victim Rick Morris. "I thought he wanted a refill. He screamed, 'Fire in the hole,' and launched the drink at me. As soon as it hit my face, my eyes were burning."

    "We want restaurants that have drive-through windows to know that this stuff is starting to happen," said North Huntingdon police Officer Bill Sombo.

    Police described the truck as a red Dodge Dakota with a front bug shield, auxiliary driving lights on the bumper, an extended cab, a tarp over the bed and windows with tint.

    The employee described the culprit as a white teenager who was wearing a white baseball cap and a bright yellow shirt.

    On Thursday morning, Sombo said media coverage of the story generated tips that led investigators to a truck matching the description.

    Police said the four Norwin High School graduates confessed in connection with that incident and four similar pranks at local restaurants, police said.

    The suspects' names are not being released because of their ages. They will be charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment and criminal conspiracy, police said.


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