![Hitchhiker Shooting Seen as Hoax When No Gun Found](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2012/06/71009668-300x200.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Hitchhiker Shooting Seen as Hoax When No Gun Found
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Authorities say a story offered by a hitchhiker who claimed to be the victim of a drive-by shooting in Montana unraveled when no gun could be found in the pickup of the supposed perpetrator.
Valley County Sheriff Glen Meier said Monday that deputies found a pistol in a field near the scene and traced it to Ray Dolin.
The 39-year-old Dolin had claimed he was shot in the arm without provocation along U.S. Highway 2. Authorities now say he shot himself and made up the rest of the story — apparently to promote a memoir he's writing about kindness.
Dolin is being treated at a hospital. Charges are pending.
Authorities initially charged a man from Tumwater, Wash., in the June 9 shooting. He was cleared four days later.
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