UPDATE: Fremont Co. Man Faked His Kidnapping

Update: Police say a Fremont County man faked his own kidnapping this week in an attempt to collect a ransom.

32-year-old Richard Jones of Caon City was arrested in Colorado Springs Thursday afternoon, after a traffic stop at South Academy & Airport. His family had reported him missing over the weekend.

According to a police statement, C.S.P.D. was contacted by a task force from Fremont County with information that Jones could be in the area. Those investigators were working on a ransom demand made by the alleged “kidnappers”.

After interviewing people who were with Jones, it was determined that he had fabricated the kidnapping. It is not known if any of the people with Jones were arrested.

He is now being charged with Criminal Extortion due to attempting to obtain money for his release. Jones was also arrested on an unrelated felony warrant out of Fremont County. In addition to charges filed by Colorado Springs Police, Richard Jones may face Criminal Extortion charges in Fremont County. At the time of his arrest in Colorado Springs on January 26, he was not being held captive but was attempting to extort money from relatives. Investigators are still trying to determine Jones’ involvement during the six days he was reported missing.

Family members reported him missing on January 20th. The last contact they had with Jones was a phone message he left on January 22nd.