Marietta police say that a report of an armed robbery last week at the Salvation Army was contrived by an employee who was concerned because his cash drawer was short. There was a massive manhunt, but there never was a masked man toting a gun and a knife.

Marietta Police Captain Jeff Waite said 42 year old John Arick of Devola admitted lying about the robbery. Arick was the supposed victim/Salvation Army employee who reported the crime. Under questioning he said he made up the story because his cash drawer was short and he was afraid of getting into trouble over the matter.

Waite said Arick had recently cut his face while doing yard work at home. He reopened the cut to make it appear as though he had been involved in a struggle.

Arick is now facing multiple charges related to the crime including tampering with evidence and filing a false report.