Law Enforcement Searches Area
POSTED: 3:20 pm EST February 18, 2004
UPDATED: 9:45 pm EST February 18, 2004
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A man who originally said his vehicle was struck by a bullet Wednesday afternoon on a local road later confesses to law enforcement that it was a hoax, NewsChannel 4 reported.
Richard A. Adams III, 33, of Circleville, originally told police his van was shot on Route 23 south of Rathmell Road and north of Scioto Downs. He said he heard a noise sometime between 1:15 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. He then checked the rear right side of his van. That's when he saw what appeared to be a bullet hole, NewsChannel 4's Duarte Geraldino reported.
The man then drove to his home a few miles away and called 911.
However, later in the day police said Adams admitted that he shot his own van earlier in the day.
The serial shooting task force and other area agencies scoured the area near the shooting for evidence and a possible suspect. A bullet was recovered from the van and was taken to a crime lab for analysis. Police used a helicopter and canines to search woods and a field on the southbound side of Route 23.
Charges against Adams are pending. The Ohio State Police and the sheriff's offices in both Franklin and Pickaway counties could all press charges.
"Valuable time, resources and manpower were wasted because of this foolish action," said Franklin County sheriff Chief Deputy Steve Martin.
Looks like he got lots of attention and as of 9am this morning he's in the pokey for the hoax.
It's still not illegal to be stupid in the USA.