By Myles Miller - NBC 4 New York




The NYPD says officers arrested a woman for a bogus 911 call that was placed last Friday -- but they are now investigating whether she is behind making more than 24,000 of these types of calls since the summer.

The caller allegedly stated to the 911 operator there was a fire and smoke coming from the basement which subsequently caused multiple police and fire units to respond at the time of the call. In the end, officers arrested 38-year-old Yogita Persaud, of the Bronx, shortly after 2 p.m. Friday while investigating what turned out to be a false 911 call.

Officers arrested 38-year-old Yogita Persaud on Friday after she allegedly made her latest call.

“There’s smoke coming from somebody’s apartment,” Persaud is reportedly recorded saying.

“What floor?” A 911 operator replied.

“The basement,” the alleged serial 911 caller claimed.

The NYPD believes that call was one of more than 200 Persuad made on Friday alone.

According to police, Persaud was charged with making a false report (fire), making a false report (emergency), obstructing governmental administration and aggravated harrassment.

Police say officers are investigating a pattern that involves more than 24,200 911 calls since June 2019 and 200 calls on the day of Persaud's arrest. She has not been charged with those incidents since it is under investigation whether she is responsible for those calls, police say.

However, police say she could be the person who tied up emergency lines for months.

The NYPD compiles a list of 911 bogus callers. According to police, Persuad ranks at the top if she is responsible for the thousands of prank calls.

Police remind the public that responding to a prank call takes resources away from responding to a real tragedy.

Persaud told News 4 she has a lawsuit against the 47th Precinct but she wouldn’t elaborate further.

Attorney information for Persaud was not immediately known.