Latest Ohio shooting said to be hoax

Thursday, February 19, 2004

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Authorities said a man made up a story that his minivan was struck by a bullet Wednesday in an area where 24 highway shootings are under investigation. The man admitted to authorities he shot his own van and told investigators the gunfire occurred while he was driving, the task force investigating the shootings said in a release. Charges are pending against the man. "Valuable time, resources and manpower were wasted because of this foolish action," investigators said in a statement. Most of the shootings -- including one that killed a woman in November -- have been at vehicles and buildings scattered along or near I-270, a busy highway that circles Columbus. The shootings began in May, though most have occurred since mid-October.

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