Police: Man Stabbed Self For Time Off Work

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- More evidence was presented in the case of a Louisville EMT accused of filing a fake police report.

In May, Josh Ware told detectives he was stabbed by an assailant while getting ready for his shift in Middletown, Ky.

According to court documents, detectives became suspicious when the investigation and Ware's story didn't match.

Detectives said Ware claimed he was stabbed after refusing to give money to an unknown black man as he prepared for his shift.

Days into the investigation, suspicions were raised. An EMS sergeant wondered why Ware was at his ambulance long before his shift, without getting an assignment.

Investigators noted Ware called his wife, Kristen, a Metrosafe dispatcher, instead of immediately radioing for help.

Ware told police he didn't realize he had his radio on him until he was on a stretcher.

On June 11, Sgt. Tim Burkett questioned Ware about discrepancies in the story. According to court documents, that's when Ware admitted he stabbed himself because he needed time off work.

Ware had exhausted all of his vacation time and couldn't use his sick time. He called the stabbing a "spur-of-the-moment decision."

It wasn't until weeks later police finally told the public there was no need to fear an assailant on the loose in the quiet Middletown area.

“We try to get the word out as soon as possible. With that said, we don't want to accuse someone wrongfully or jump to a conclusion until the facts are evident,” Sgt. Robert Biven said earlier this month.

Copies of Ware's personnel records show a 29-day suspension in 2006 for abuse of sick leave.

Ware is expected back in court next month.

Ware also faces an insurance fraud charge for allegedly filing for worker's compensation.