SC man was calling 911 to use ambulances for free ride service, sheriff says
The days of getting free rides are over for one South Carolina man.
James Mack, a 35-year-old Sumter resident, was recently arrested for calling 911 on multiple occasions to get ambulances to take him to an area hospital, which he would leave without seeking medical treatment, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday in a news release.
Over a two-week period, Mack called 911 several times for minor medical complaints, the sheriff’s office said. After being taken to Prisma Health Tuomey hospital by Sumter County EMS, Mack would routinely leave without being seen by medical staff or receiving any treatment, according to the release.
On Monday, deputies were dispatched to the hospital to investigate if anyone was using emergency medical services under false pretenses, according to the release. Deputies saw Mack leave the hospital shortly after arriving by ambulance, the sheriff’s office said.
When approached by law enforcement officers, Mack ran away and tried hiding, less than 200 feet away, at First Presbyterian Church, according to the release.
Mack was quickly located and detained by the deputies, the sheriff’s office said. After confirming Mack did not receive medical care during his visit, deputies arrested him for unlawful use of 911 by intentionally making false reports, according to the release.
Mack was booked into the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and his bond was set at $1,500, according to the release. The sheriff’s office said Mack remains in custody, and Sumter County court records show the bond has not been posted.
If convicted on the misdemeanor charge, Mack faces a maximum punishment of 6 months behind bars and a $200 fine, according to South Carolina law.
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