Cops: Conn. man punched self to fake assault

FARMINGTON, Conn. – Connecticut police say a man punched himself in the face, tore his shirt and threw his wallet and keys in a river to convince police he had been assaulted.

Farmington police said Monday that Daniel Vagnini was arrested after reporting that he has been assaulted, then admitting he made up the story.

According to police, the 22-year-old Farmington man sped through a stop sign and nearly crashed into a car. Police say they later found his car and heard Vagnini in the woods. He told police he had been drinking in Hartford and was assaulted and blacked out.

Vagnini was charged with reckless driving, evading responsibility and driving under the influence.

The Associated Press left a message at a phone listing for Vagnini. It was unclear if he had an attorney.

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Information from: The Hartford Courant, http://www.courant.com