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Police: Phony Doctor Caught On Tape At Children’s Hospital

POSTED: Wednesday, May 21, 2008

A man seen walking the halls of a Jacksonville children's hospital with a medical coat, a badge, a stethoscope and a clipboard is no doctor, according to police. Now, officers are asking for the public's help identifying and locating the phony physician.

The imposter was caught on surveillance video photo at Wolfson Children's Hospital, but police said they have no idea who he is or why he was in the hospital.

“It concerns us that someone is doing this,” said Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ken Jefferson.

Police said they have a lot of questions for the man they said was posing as a doctor. They said the man was seen walking down the halls of Wolfson and was even seen in a suite area.

“It’s not clear as to how he was able to get in, but there’s so many legitimate doctors and nurses coming and going it’s really hard to keep up with that and monitor. I’m sure you can piggyback someone else going in. Who's going to challenge a doctor?” Jefferson said.

According to the police report, the phony doctor was stopped by hospital staff members because they noticed alcohol coming from his breath. However, as soon as they started asking questions, the man left.

Later that day, an employee found the black computer bag the man was seen carrying. The bag was under a car in the parking garage and contained everything the man was seen wearing in the surveillance video, including a badge from Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center with a picture of a young child that was cut out and taped on the badge.

“That in and of itself shows you that this persons possibly was up to something but maybe his attempt was foiled,” Jefferson said.

Police said it appears to be an isolated incident, but other hospitals in the area have had several purses and laptops stolen in recent months.

Authorities said they hope that the public can help them identify the suspicious man so they can find out exactly what he was trying to do at the hospital.

Anyone with any information or who recognizes the man in the surveillance is asked to call Crimestoppers at 866-845-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
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