Police: Nurse arrested for theft, drugs

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Kissimee Police say a registered nurse anesthetist was arrested for petit theft and possession of prescription drugs without a prescription.

Reports say on Thursday a patrol officer saw a black Mercedes parked at an angle in the parking lot of 425 Fountain Head Circle in Kissimmee. The officer reported that the driver of the vehicle was bent over and looked as if was in pain.

As the officer approached the car he says he noticed blood on the driver’s arms and a needle sticking out of her arm, reports say.

Reports say the driver removed the needle and identified herself as 36-year-old Teresa Fowler-Platkin of Windermere, a certified registered anesthetist who works for Kissimmee Surgical Center. Reports say Platkin explained that she had taken the medication from her place of employment.

Officers say they found the following items in Platkin’s bag: a clear bag containing surgical gloves covered with blood, two (2) used syringes, two (2) needles, Tobramycin and Dexamethasone with box (eye drops), a vial labeled Propofol 200 mg, a vial labeled Ketorolac Tromethime 30 mg, a vial labeled Xylocaine 40mg and a blue rubber band used to cut off circulation which had blood on it.

Reports say a nurse from the Kissimmee Surgical Center identified the medications as property of the Center and that the medication required prescriptions, which Platkin did not have.

Teresa Fowler-Platkin was arrested and charged with Petit Theft and Possession of Prescription Drugs without a Prescription.

Platkin was transported to the Osceola County Jail and held on $500 bond.