Mahanoy City, PA – A New York City resident is facing legal consequences after he was caught tampering with a fire hydrant in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. Corte Clever, a 42-year-old from Queens, claimed to police that he opened the hydrant because he believed it was permissible, having done the same thing back in New York.
The incident sheds light on the serious legal restrictions concerning unauthorized use of fire hydrants outside major cities and underlines the importance of public awareness about local laws.
Unauthorized Use Leads to Charges in Mahanoy City
On the morning of August 17, police in Mahanoy City responded to reports concerning several issues, including unauthorized occupancy of a home and an illegal yard fire. Among the complaints was the unauthorized use of a local fire hydrant. Officers arriving at the scene in the Liberty Hill area discovered a damaged fire hydrant with noticeable metal shavings around the stem nut and significant gouges on the cap and connection points.
Corte Clever was identified as the individual who opened the hydrant. According to a witness, Clever and others believed using the hydrant was acceptable since they had done so previously in New York City. Clever admitted to police that he opened the hydrant because he “thought it was ok to do so.”
Understanding the Legal Perspective on Fire Hydrant Use
Mahanoy City Police Corporal Charles Kovalewski charged Clever with misdemeanor tampering with a fire hydrant and summary unauthorized use of a fire hydrant. Legal statutes in both Pennsylvania and New York strictly prohibit unauthorized individuals from tampering with or operating fire hydrants.
Under New York State law, only employees of the Department of Environmental Protection or fire departments are allowed to operate fire hydrants, which aligns with local Pennsylvania regulations. Unauthorized use poses safety risks and could hinder emergency services.
- Date of incident: August 17, 10 a.m.
- Location: Liberty Hill section of Mahanoy City
- Charges: Misdemeanor tampering and summary unauthorized use of a fire hydrant
- Accused: Corte Clever, 42, Elmhurst, Queens, NY
“Unauthorized use of fire hydrants can jeopardize public safety and complicate emergency responses,” said Corporal Kovalewski.
Next Steps in the Case
Clever’s case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 9 before Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker in Shenandoah. The outcome will clarify the legal consequences for tampering with essential municipal infrastructure.
Community members and local authorities urge residents to respect fire hydrants and report any suspicious activity to ensure safety and compliance with the law. More details on the incident can be found here.
Community Awareness and Responsibility
Incidents like these highlight the need for greater public education on local ordinances and municipal codes, especially for newcomers who might assume practices from other cities apply universally. Fire hydrants are critical components for firefighting and municipal water management, and their misuse can lead to serious consequences.
- Unauthorized hydrant use can lead to legal charges and fines.
- Tampering poses safety risks, potentially delaying firefighting efforts.
- Residents are encouraged to seek proper water access solutions when utilities are disrupted.
What do you think about this incident? Have you ever encountered similar situations or disputes over public infrastructure use? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
