Munchausen's Syndrome Trips Up Top Reporter Joel...

Back in June I uncritically repeated a claim that was not entirely dismissive of a cop's hero story. I should know better than to do that.

It appears the story was unraveling even before I saw it, but the local sheriff's department and evil brown menace illegal immigration alarmists had every reason to want the story believed. Since I have no trouble believing that drug mules would shoot back at cops intent on destroying their lives, I didn't question it at the time and in fact haven't given it much thought since then. Well, bad on me.

PHOENIX — Two nationally known forensic pathologists are questioning a sheriff deputy's version of how he was shot in the remote desert south of Phoenix, adding to theories that the incident was a hoax timed to enflame the debate over illegal immigration.

Pinal County Deputy Louie Puroll told investigators he was following a group of smugglers carrying bales of marijuana on April 30 when he was ambushed by men firing AK-47 rifles. In what Puroll described as a running gunbattle, he said he was grazed by a bullet in the back.

The pathologists, Dr. Michael Baden of New York and Dr. Werner Spitz of suburban Detroit, examined photos of the wound released by the sheriff's office. They told The Associated Press on Friday they concluded the bullet was fired from inches away, not at least 25 yards as Puroll said.

Thanks to Balko for the tip.