MIDLOTHIAN, Va. (AP) — Authorities say the reported abduction of a woman outside a Virginia Walmart was a hoax.
Chesterfield County police were called Sunday after witnesses reported seeing a woman flee from a car trunk, chased by two men who caught and forced her back in the car.
Authorities say the woman saw herself in local news coverage and came to a police station with one of the men Monday night.
After interviewing the woman and the four men involved, police said Tuesday that the incident was a hoax planned by the group.
Authorities say the group planned to film the staged abduction and the reaction of onlookers and post the video online.