North Carolina Man Shoots Himself and Makes Up Story

Local news reports

Jon Michael Mauldwin, 21, was charged Wednesday with filing a false report with law enforcement and misuse of the 911 system, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.

"We spent time looking for a suspect that never existed," said Debbie Tanna, a sheriff's spokeswoman.

Mauldwin called 911 on Sunday and reported that someone shot at him. He said he returned fire, striking the person, Tanna said.

Mauldwin told investigators that the shooter was in a grassy area behind his home, Tanna said. Investigators combed the area and were unable to find shell casings, she said.

One shot penetrated a bulletproof vest Mauldwin was wearing, Tanna said, but investigators determined it was fired by the man's own gun, a .380-caliber pistol.

Mauldwin was released on an unsecured bond, Tanna said.