Crime & Safety

Lake Forest Robbery Report Unfounded, Man Made False Report

The search in Lake Forest was called off after the reported victim was caught in a lie to Orange County Sheriff's Deputies.

LAKE FOREST, CA — The Orange County Sheriff's Department declared a false alarm after they discovered the victim who reported being robbed at gunpoint by transients was lying. Sheriff's officials would not comment about why the alleged victim filed the false report, but told Patch they would pursue no charges against him.

The initial search ensued when the alleged victim told dispatch operators that two transients robbed him at gunpoint in the area of Portola Parkway and Glenn Ranch Road at about 9:30 a.m. That search was called off after hours of searching, according to Carrie Braun of the OCSD.

The unnamed man who portrayed himself a victim of a robbery was unable to explain in coherent detail what occurred during the robbery at gunpoint. Officers then determined that he was not telling the truth, according to Braun.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"OCSD took appropriate response to the situation, based upon information we initially received," Braun told Patch. "However, based upon subsequent interviews, it was determined that the robbery never happened."

Braun added, "Obviously, the sheriff's department has a variety of resources to respond to a situation like this had it been real, and it is vitally important that people tell the truth when contacting officials.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as it is released.

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