ARIZONA TEEN STAGES HIS OWN KIDNAPPING TO GET OUT OF WORK SHIFT AT THE TIRE FACTORY, POLICE SAY

 An Arizona man was so determined to skip out on work he faked his own assault and kidnapping, authorities said.

Early in the evening on Feb. 10, a passerby found Brandon Soules, 19, on the side of the road with a bandana stuffed in his mouth and his hands tied behind his back with his own belt, Phoenix’s KNXV-TV reported.

According to the Coolidge Police Department, Soules told detectives he was in front of his home earlier in the day when two masked men struck him in the head, knocking him unconscious. He said the assailants then tossed him in a vehicle and later dumped him near a water tower.

Soules claimed he was targeted by kidnappers because his father had hidden money somewhere around town. 

Investigators checked surveillance video but found no evidence corroborating Soules had been assaulted and kidnapped, and the story about the large cash stash also appeared to be fabricated.

Soules was arrested on Feb. 17 and charged with false reporting to police.

 Coolidge Police Department Cmdr. Mark Tercero said Soules admitted to using the bandana and belt to stage the supposed crime.

According to Tercero, the teen then “laid on the ground and scooted out to the side of the road where somebody could see him and waited.”

Authorities said Soules admitted to concocting the elaborate ruse in order to get out of working his shift at The Tire Factory.

KNXV-TV reported Soules pleaded guilty to the charge against him and has been fired from his job.