COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—A Canon City man is accused of faking his own kidnapping and demanding ransom for his release.
Colorado Springs police say 32-year-old Richard Jones faces at least a charge of criminal extortion after being arrested Thursday during a traffic stop.
The Fremont County sheriff’s office and the police departments in Canon City and Florence mobilized to investigate Jones’ disappearance and ransom request by alleged kidnappers.
Investigators say they determined the reported kidnapping was false after interviewing several people in a vehicle with Jones during the traffic stop in Colorado Springs.
Jones had been reported missing Saturday.
No one answered the phone at a number listed for Jones in Canon City and it is unclear whether he has retained an attorney.
