Man in Scrubs Accused of Stealing From Ambulance

A man accused of breaking into an ambulance in Denton said Thursday he didn't want to talk about his arrest.

Denton police say an off-duty officer caught medical scrubs-clad William Gilbreath breaking into an ambulance at Denton Presbyterian hospital.

"It was a mistake, but I really don't [have any] comment at this time," Gilbreath said as he walked out of the Denton Police Department, still wearing the medical scrubs.

"It was a misunderstanding, like I said. That's all," he said before getting into a car.

According to a copy of his arrest affidavit, an off-duty Denton police officer working security at the hospital a man in scrubs park his Jeep near an ambulance. As the officer got closer, he noticed the man rummaging through the ambulance, the report said.

According to the document, the man told the officer he was "trying to see who was transported." Then Gilbreath changed his story and said he was "trying to check for a job," the report said.

"Inquiring about a job at one in the morning is a little suspicious to me," Denton police spokesman Officer Ryan Grelle said.

Gilbreath was arrested and charged with burglary of a vehicle.

Officers said they believe Gilbreath may be tied to several other ambulance break-ins with the Coppell, Lewisville and Lake Cities fire departments.

Officers secured a search warrant and searched Gilbreath's house. Investigators found several medical bags and equipment from other ambulances.

The bags contain various medical drugs, syringes and knickknacks. Paramedics say the equipment is vital in an emergency situation when seconds count.

"[There was] Benadryl, stuff for diabetic emergencies [and] cardiac calls," Denton Fire Battalion Chief Brad Lahart said. "No DEA-regulated drugs are held in those boxes -- those are all locked. Those are all physically locked in the ambulances themselves."

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