Shelton Man Accused Of Falsely Reporting A Robbery To Police

SHELTON, CT — A 34-year-old Shelton man was arrested by Shelton police on a warrant this week charging him with falsely reporting a theft of a motor vehicle, after authorities said they learned the man had lied about being robbed of his vehicle at gunpoint.

David Manning additionally was charged with interfering with an officer in connection with the March 15 incident, according to police.

"The arrest stems from a report Manning made to the Shelton Police on 03/15/2021, where he stated he was robbed at gunpoint by two men on Myrtle Street," Shelton police wrote on Facebook. "Manning stated the two men stole his vehicle and his cell phone during the robbery."

Shelton detectives, however, discovered during a subsequent investigation that the vehicle was in an accident in Bridgeport the day before, and the driver fled the scene. The investigation also determined "that Manning was not truthful and the vehicle was in fact not stolen."

Manning was released after posting bond on bail of $5,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Milford Superior Court on May 25.

Shelton police reminds readers that the charges described "are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."