Robbery at Mall Faked, Police Say

A man who reported he was jumped by two men outside May 12 made the story up, according to police, who say the alleged victim is wanted in Georgia on felony warrants.

The man, 24, who was in town selling magazine subscriptions, called for help about 8:10 p.m., saying two men -- one white and one black -- in a Silver Elantra jumped him in the mall parking lot near Macy's and stole his wallet, money and magazines.

He told paramedics he believed he had been knocked out, but refused transportation to the hospital.

He had left the scene when police arrived, but they stopped his car and discovered he had active felony warrants from Georgia. 

They also soon discovered he was not actually robbed -- Detective Lt. John Janowski said the man admitted he had made up the attack so he could keep the money he had made selling magazines.

He was being held until he could be transported to Georgia to face fraud and other charges.

In other news:

• A witness reported seeing a man poach a large snapping turtle from the property, 21211 Drake Rd., and throw it in his car May 11.

Police spoke with the man, who admitted to taking the turtle without permission. He said he did not realize there was a turtle season, and took the turtle to his parents' house on Boston Road and released it in their pond.

He was warned about taking wildlife from other people's property.

• A man carrying a bag was dropped off on Idlewood Trail about 11 p.m. May 9, and the car that he got out of kept driving up and down the street, a report said.

Police spoke with the driver, who said he was helping someone chase after his dog. 

• A group of teens were "whooping and hollering" on at Whitney and Pearl roads about 2 a.m. May 11, according to a report. After chatting with police, the two males, who were adults, went back to the Village Motel, where they were staying, and the two girls, who were juveniles, were taken to their respective homes on Webster Road.

• Someone reported a group of kids urinating on the slides at Elementary School, 19091 Waterford Parkway, May 9. Police spoke with one boy, who said he was standing at the top of the slide with a water bottle and the bottle slid down. He also said he threw the bottle down the sewer. Police warned him about the complaint and about littering.