Police Put Out Warrant for Louisiana 911 Operator Who Was Allegedly Hanging Up on Emergency Callers

The New Orleans Police Department is searching for a 911 operator after she allegedly "deliberately" hung up on callers.

On Thursday, officials announced in a statement on Facebook that they have "obtained an arrest warrant for Precious Stephens on charges of malfeasance in office and interfering with an emergency communication."

The police department revealed the 911 operator was allegedly "disconnecting 911 calls deliberately without obtaining necessary emergency information or relaying such emergencies to the other dispatchers for aid" while working with the Orleans Parish Communications District.

Officials say a report was taken on Aug. 23 and as of Thursday, Stephens still remained at large.

The intercepted calls occurred during Stephens' shifts on Aug. 20 and Aug. 21, police told NOLA.com in a statement. She was fired from her job and her superiors reported her to police, according to the outlet.

"(The district) has and will continue to cooperate with the investigation into this matter and is dedicated to providing any and all assistance to aid in (the) efforts," a statement obtained by the outlet read.

The New Orleans Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Friday.

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In Louisiana, malfeasance committed by a public officer or public employee carries a sentence of up to five years in prison or a fine up to $5,000 or both.

Police are asking anyone with information on Stephens' whereabouts to call 504-658-6030 or Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.