Douglasville, Georgia — A dinner at a Red Lobster in Douglasville ended with an arrest after police accused a 26-year-old Georgia man of faking a medical emergency and calling 911 in an attempt to avoid paying a $63.77 restaurant bill.
Abdul Hakeem Rasheed was arrested Sept. 25, one day after the alleged incident at the Red Lobster on Highway 5, according to police and records cited by multiple news outlets. Authorities say the emergency call was not made because Rasheed actually needed medical assistance, but instead was allegedly connected to his effort to avoid paying for his meal.
Police Say the 911 Call Was Part of an Attempt to Avoid Payment
According to an affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, Rasheed falsely reported a medical emergency while dining at the restaurant on Sept. 24.
The affidavit alleges that Rasheed displayed “unlawful conduct” during his 9-1-1 call “by deception and with intent to avoid payment.”
The restaurant bill reportedly totaled $63.77.
Douglasville police told WSB-TV that Rasheed called 911 from the Red Lobster and that officers determined he was OK when they arrived. Police said they believed the call was an attempt to get out of paying the dinner bill.
The incident therefore shifted quickly from what initially appeared to be a medical emergency into a police investigation.
The $63.77 Dinner Led to an Arrest
Instead of leaving the restaurant without paying, Rasheed was taken into custody the following day.
Online records reviewed by PEOPLE show that he was arrested on Sept. 25 and faced charges including theft of services and unlawful conduct during a 911 call. PEOPLE reported that his bond was set at $3,000 and that he remained in custody according to the jail records it reviewed.
Other reporting has provided slightly different details about the charges and bond.
WSB-TV reported that police charged Rasheed with theft of services, unlawful conduct during a 911 call and making a false report. Meanwhile, Patch’s review of Douglas County Jail records identified theft of services and unlawful conduct during a 911 call and reported a combined bond of $4,500.
Because the available reports differ on the exact booking details, the charges should be described according to the specific records or source being cited.
Police Say Rasheed Did Not Need Medical Treatment
When officers arrived at the restaurant following the 911 call, they determined that Rasheed was not experiencing the medical emergency he had allegedly reported.
According to police accounts, the circumstances surrounding the call pointed instead toward an attempt to avoid paying the restaurant bill.
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The case has attracted attention largely because of the unusual circumstances alleged by investigators. A relatively small restaurant tab allegedly resulted in a 911 response, police involvement, an arrest and criminal charges.
The reported bill was $63.77, while the bond amounts reported in subsequent coverage were considerably higher. However, the bond relates to the criminal case and should not be interpreted simply as a repayment for the restaurant bill.
Case Remains an Allegation
Rasheed’s arrest and the charges against him do not establish guilt. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The available reporting does not indicate a final court outcome, conviction or sentence in connection with the case.
Authorities and news outlets have also sought additional comment from the Douglas Police Department and Red Lobster regarding the incident.
For now, the case remains focused on police allegations that a 911 call was used deceptively in connection with an unpaid restaurant bill.
What began as a $63.77 dinner tab ultimately became a criminal matter after emergency responders and police were called to the Douglasville restaurant.
What do you think about the unusual circumstances surrounding this case? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know whether you think calling 911 over an unpaid restaurant bill should result in criminal charges.
