The incident occurred September 22, 2016, just before 4:00 p.m. The lead fire investigator on the case said that Nicole Coleman -- an intern at BCBS at the time -- admitted to activating the alarm, which forced the evacuation of several thousand employees in the complex. Ms. Coleman, who is 34 years old, was charged with reckless endangerment and making a false report.
BCBS representatives told the fire investigator that they estimated the false alarm cost the company approximately $251,000 due to lost work and several injury claims that were filed as a result of the evacuation. After being formally charged at Chattanooga's fire administration building around noon, Ms. Coleman was transported to the county jail for booking. Chattanooga police assisted with the investigation and arrest.
* Note to media: Ms. Coleman's DOB is 4-11-82.
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