SALT LAKE CITY, UT — A local man is facing multiple charges after allegedly fabricating a medical emergency to delay his arrest. Spencer Adamson, 27, was apprehended on Sunday evening following a theft report at a Target store located at 1110 South 300 West.
Upon arrival, officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department found Adamson in possession of drug paraphernalia, including burnt tinfoil, a makeshift pipe, and a bag of methamphetamine. Authorities also discovered that Adamson had active felony warrants for his arrest.
While being transported to jail, Adamson claimed he had swallowed a bag of heroin, prompting officers to seek emergency medical assistance for his safety. Paramedics responded to the scene and transported Adamson to a nearby hospital, where his vital signs — including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels — were determined to be stable.
After being cleared for release by medical staff, Adamson was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail approximately four hours after the initial incident. He now faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, use or possession of drug paraphernalia, and emergency reporting abuse.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown issued a statement condemning Adamson’s actions, emphasizing the impact on public safety resources. “When someone manufactures a medical emergency to avoid going to jail, they are not just wasting our officers’ time, they are diverting critical public safety resources away from real emergencies,” Brown said. “Our paramedics, hospital staff, and officers should be responding to people in actual need of help, not those trying to game the system.”
Adamson’s case highlights ongoing concerns about individuals attempting to manipulate law enforcement and emergency services, prompting calls for greater accountability in handling such incidents.