PLAINS TWP. — A Taylor man is accused of abusing the Luzerne County 911 system by twice calling authorities for a ride home Wednesday night after claiming he lost $400 at the Mohegan Pennsylvania casino.
Police said John Roland Bartolacci, 63, first called 911 from the casino around 10 p.m. Wednesday requesting a “ride home to Taylor.”
He was advised that police, nor any emergency service, provide people with rides home.
Investigators said he then identified himself to the dispatcher, saying police “were familiar” with him and described what he was wearing, including a cowboy hat.
After the 911 dispatcher advised Plains Twp. police about the nature of the request, police told the dispatcher to clear out the call and police did not respond.
About 40 minutes later, police said they were dispatched to an area along Route 315 more than a mile from the casino for the same male requesting a ride home to Taylor, police said.
The dispatcher once again advised Bartolacci that emergency responders do not provide people with rides home. But this time, police responded.
Police said they located Bartolacci in the area of 1546 Route 315 and asked how they could help him. He said he needed a ride home because he lost $400 at the casino and didn’t have any money to pay for a ride, according to the criminal complaint.
Investigators said Bartolacci acknowledged he was not experiencing a medical episode that required police, fire or EMS attention and reiterated he just wanted a ride home.
Officers took Bartolacci into custody and located a half burnt marijuana cigarette in his possession, police said.
He was charged with improper communications with 911 systems, disorderly conduct and possession of marijuana. After his arraignment, he was released on unsecured bail.