Man arrested after falsely reporting vehicle was stolen

Ontario Provincial Police cruiser. (Source: OPP/File Image)

One man is in police custody after fabricating a story to police and reporting his vehicle was stolen.

According to OPP, on Friday at 7:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to an abandoned vehicle in a field located off Concession Road 1 in Ramara Township.

Once on scene, police said officers had discovered no one was on the scene and that the vehicle had sustained severe damage.

Upon further investigation, police determined that airbags had been deployed, and several alcohol cans were located in the vehicle.

Police say the investigation revealed that the vehicle's registered owner had two outstanding warrants and a suspended license for previous impaired charges.

Just before 4 p.m. that day, OPP received a call for service from the vehicle's owner, reporting his vehicle was stolen.

The male had noticeable injuries police say were likely caused by an accident; he was later placed in police custody.

The 40-year-old man from Ramara Township was then charged with adult public mischief.

The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).