14 DAY TRIAL // The misuse and abuse of 911 appears to be a growing problem in America. After a North Carolina woman was arrested last week for calling emergency services twice after her pizza came with marinara sauce instead of pizza sauce, we now learn that an Oregon man called 911 earlier this month to ask where he could buy some marijuana.
A Washington County 911 dispatcher was left baffled when the unidentified man called to make the unusual request.
“Where can I buy some marijuana this morning?” he asked, when he actually dialed 911 at 9:41 p.m.
According to ITB, the call was recorded on May 1, and the man appeared surprised that he had called the emergency services, which leads us to believe that he didn't do it intentionally. When the dispatcher asked him if he realized he was calling the police department, he said that was interesting and made a long pause before repeating his “legitimate question.”
The dispatcher politely told him she had no idea where he could buy pot, so the man thanked her and hung up. However, officers with the Hillsboro Police Department still went to check in on the man after the call ended.
The use of 911 for any purpose other than to report an emergency could result in criminal penalties. Each American state has different penalties for 911 misuse, but, in most cases, abuse can lead to jail time and stiff fines.