A Massachusetts police department accused one of its own officers on Thursday of lying about an assailant shooting his patrol car, causing him to spin into a tree and catch fire.
The bizarre incident took place on Wednesday when the 24-year-old part-time officer from Millis, Massachusetts reported that a man in a pickup truck fired at him, according to CNN.
By Friday, he was identified as Bryan Johnson and his story had unraveled, the Boston Globe reported.
“We have determined that the officer’s story was fabricated,” acting Millis Police Chief William Dwyer told CNN.
He told the Globe that the officer will not be getting special treatment. He also said the officer will be fired, but is currently on paid administrative leave.
“It’s hard for me personally. Bryan was a friend, and when this is all over, I wish him the best,” Dwyer said.
The Globe went to an address in Millis for the officer and was refused comment. “You guys need to leave, and leave now, please,” a man at the home told the newspaper.
MassLive.com reported Thursday that the state fire marshal was investigating the cause of the fire.
