Cops: Conn. man punched self to fake assault

[June 07, 2011]  FARMINGTON, Conn. (AP) -- Connecticut police say a man punched himself in the face, tore his shirt and threw his wallet and keys in a river to convince police he had been assaulted.

Farmington police said Monday that Daniel Vagnini was arrested after reporting that he has been assaulted, then admitting he made up the story.

According to police, the 22-year-old Farmington man sped through a stop sign and nearly crashed into a car. Police say they later found his car and heard Vagnini in the woods. He told police he had been drinking in Hartford and was assaulted and blacked out.

Vagnini was charged with reckless driving, evading responsibility and driving under the influence.

A woman who returned a message left at Vagnini's home said the family would have no comment.

___

Information from: The Hartford Courant, http://www.courant.com/

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.