Man stages fake attack using ketchup

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake police arrived to a staged scene involving ketchup Sunday night.

A female reportedly told police she was worried about her methamphetamine-addicted son being in danger, according to police records. She advised drug dealers were looking for her son to collect a debt.

The mother reported a violent assault took place at his South Laguna Drive residence.

When police arrived at the son's residence they didn't find the remnants of a violent assault, Police Capt. Dave Ruffin said. Instead they found a staged scene made to look as though an attack had taken place.

Responding officers found ketchup spread around the front porch of the residence along with several disturbed items, he said.

The son was not located and the incident is not being investigated further because the scene was fake, Ruffin said. He said it's possible the male staged the attack to worry his mother.

- Staff report