Man charged with misuse of 911 after demanding police connect him with his embassy — Sami Albalawai

Metro Police eventually arrested 27-year-old Sami Awash Albalawi after he called 911 twelve times, demanding to be put in touch with his embassy. Officers responded to the first of the calls, which came from a motel near the airport, and explained that police were unable to assist him with contacting his embassy, and that he would need to contact them on his own. Police believed they had an understanding, and left Mr. Albalawai. Several more calls then accumulated at the Emergency Communications Center, who traced the first few to the same motel, and the later ones at the Nashville International Airport.

Police were eventually able to locate the man after the 12th call to 911. After it was apparent there was no clear understanding that 911 would be unable to assist him, he was transported to booking and charged with aggravated non-emergency calls. He is jailed in lieu of a $1,000 bond.