Hoax Shooting Suspect Appears in Montana Court

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A West Virginia man accused of shooting himself and then claiming to be a drive-by victim was arrested in northeastern Montana and then quickly released on a $10,000 bond.

Valley County Sheriff Glen Meier says Ray Dolin and his attorney appeared Thursday in Glasgow as prosecutors had previously negotiated. He was arrested, booked and made a brief court appearance.

Prosecutors say Dolin has admitted to fabricating his story about a pickup truck driver shooting him without provocation June 9 as he hitchhiked along U.S. Highway 2 west of Glasgow.

Dolin's attorney, Jeffrey Simkovic, was not in his office Thursday. A person who answered his phone said his office had no comment.

The case has been transferred to state district court, where an Aug. 8 hearing has been scheduled.