NORTH CAROLINA — An inmate at the Rutherford County Detention Center is accused of falsely claiming a fentanyl overdose, prompting an emergency response, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the incident occurred Saturday morning, Feb. 7, when the inmate told detention staff they had overdosed on fentanyl. Although staff observed no visible signs of medical distress, they contacted 911 as a precaution.
Rutherford County EMS responded and transported the inmate to a nearby medical facility for evaluation. Officials did not confirm whether Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, was administered. The inmate was later released from the hospital and returned to the detention center.
According to the sheriff’s office, the inmate later admitted the overdose claim was fabricated, stating they made the false report out of frustration with being incarcerated.
The incident remains under investigation. Authorities said the inmate could face additional criminal charges as a result of the false report.
