Deputies disregard woman's 911 call

ANDERSON, S.C. - Anderson County Sheriff David Crenshaw has apologized after his deputies did not respond to a 911 call from a stabbing victim who often called dispatchers without an emergency.

The investigation into why the deputies ignored Anna Clifton's early Monday emergency call continues. But Sheriff Crenshaw left no doubt his agency is to blame.

"It looks like we dropped the ball on it," he said Tuesday. "I apologize to her and her family publicly."

Paramedics rushed to Ms. Clifton's house after she called 911. But dispatchers told them to wait outside until deputies arrived to make sure the scene was safe, said Medshore Ambulance Service CEO Greg Shore, who also is Anderson County's coroner.

When no officer arrived in 10 minutes, the paramedics were told deputies thought it was a psychiatric call and if they wanted to check it out, they could go inside themselves, Mr. Shore said.

Inside was Ms. Clifton in a pool of blood. She had been stabbed in the chest eight times and had a collapsed lung, Mr. Shore said.

Sheriff's dispatchers were on a first-name basis with Ms. Clifton, who calls frequently and has psychiatric problems, Sheriff Crenshaw said.

"But that doesn't keep us from being obligated to go. We should've gone when we first got the call," the sheriff said.

He listened to the 911 call Tuesday and knew immediately it was different.

"I knew as soon as I heard her voice it wasn't a normal call," he said. "She was obviously distressed when she called."

Ms. Clifton remained in critical condition Tuesday at an Anderson hospital.

Deputies have arrested Juan Ramon Mendez and his girlfriend, Samantha Pentycofe, in connection with the stabbing.

The victim's sister, Christel O'Neal said her sister baby-sat for the couple.

"That's how they knew her monthly check was coming that day," Ms. O'Neal said. "She had no reason to be afraid of him. She let the girlfriend and baby in. Then he came in."