Valpo man claims he was robbed to avoid paying money owed
By Erin Guerra Post-Tribune correspondent March 11, 2013 12:00PM
Ted Russell | Provided photo~Sun-Times Media
Updated: March 11, 2013 11:12PM
VALPARAISO — A 33-year-old Valparaiso man allegedly pretended he was robbed in an attempt to avoid paying money owed to a relative.
Police said Ted Russell called 911 at 3:30 p.m. Sunday and said two men robbed him at gunpoint near his home on Glendale Boulevard, while he was walking to a fast-food restaurant on U.S. 30 to meet relatives for a birthday party.
Police searched the area for the vehicle Russell described but noted there were inconsistencies with his story. As officers interviewed him further, he reportedly admitted the robbery did not happen. Russell was arrested for false reporting of a crime, a misdemeanor.
