Man Who Called 911 for Chest Pains Found With Cocaine, Marijuana: Cops

Key West man arrested for drug possession, misuse of 911

By Brian Hamacher
|  Monday, Feb 6, 2012  |  Updated 9:36 AM EDT
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Man Who Called 911 for Chest Pains Had Drugs

Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Thomas Ecker

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A Key West man who called 911 three times Sunday morning complaining of chest pains wound up behind bars after authorities say they found cocaine and marijuana on him.

Thomas Ecker, 51, is facing drug possession and misuse of 911 charges after he was arrested in Stock Island, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities said they received three 911 calls around 1:20 a.m. from a man complaining of chest pains in the area of Cross Street and 6th Avenue.

The man quickly hung up after each call and didn't answer when operators called back.

When deputies responded to the area they spotted Ecker, who quickly tossed something into the grass, authorities said. The items turned out to be a baggie with cocaine in it, authorities said.

Deputies searched Ecker and found he had marijuana and rolling papers in his pocket, authorities said.

Ecker said he didn't need medical attention and denied calling 911, but when deputies called the number, Ecker's cell phone rang, authorities said.

Ecker was booked into jail and was being held without bond Monday. It was unknown whether he has an attorney.

Posted Feb 6, 2012
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