Authorities: 'Moss Man' fails to show up for trial

[October 13, 2011]  HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) -- Authorities say an Oregon burglary suspect dubbed "Moss Man" failed to show up at his trial, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Gregory Liascos of Portland earned the "Moss Man" moniker after police say he was arrested in full-body camouflage last October outside the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals.

Police say the 36-year-old Portland man had cut a hole in a museum wall and was trying to break in.

Officers found a bike and a backpack, but they didn't find the suspect until a police dog bit what appeared to be the ground. It was Liascos in a "ghillie" suit, a head-to-toe camouflage outfit used by military snipers to blend in with vegetation.

Liascos later said the whole thing was a mix-up, and that the outfit was a Halloween costume from his kids.

[Associated Press]

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