Wednesday, February 6, 2013

** Stolen Texas ambulances sold for scrap, police say

** Florida paramedic charged after allegedly stealing pain meds from patient

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A group of private EMS company owners are seeking justice after several stolen ambulances ended up being sold to junk yards and broken up as scrap. KTRK (February 4) said the Houston thefts began about a month ago and involved three companies. The location of the stolen units was found after tracking devices pinpointed them to Texas Port Recycling Monday. According to the news site, the EMS units, worth tens of thousands of dollars, had already gone through the vehicle crusher. A police spokesman said the thieves likely sold the stolen rigs for $500-$700 using salvage licences instead of vehicle titles. As per law, older cars, trucks, and the like can be scrapped without requiring a registration. A suspect in the case has been detained for questioning.

** A Florida paramedic from Marion County has been arrested on charges he stole prescription pain medication from a patient. WFTV (February 1) said Winfield Hancock III is currently in jail pending the posting of a $5,000 bond. According to the news site, the jig was up for Hancock when a patient’s husband noticed his wife’s hydrocodone was missing following an ambulance transport. Hancock, who has now resigned from his EMS position, has a previous arrest record that includes disorderly conduct charges and driving on a suspended licence. He has worked for Marion County Fire Rescue since 2004.