1978 - Policeman Tells Cover-Up Story

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - Policeman John L. Lee's tale of how he was wounded touched off a widespread search for a motorcyclist and his gun-slinging blonde companion, who Lee said shot him. Now Lee admits his story was a fantasy.

The 32-year-old North Pole policeman said Wednesday he fabricated the story to cover up the fact that he shot himself in the upper left arm accidentally. His boss, Chief Phil Ensley, said Lee would be dismissed upon completion of a state police investigation. It was unclear how Lee wounded himself, Ensley said.