Sgt. Robert Ralston Shot Himself and Lied, Saying Unidentified Black Male did it

Sgt. Robert Ralston shot himself, then lied saying unidentified black male did it.

Philadelphia Sgt. Robert Ralston said he was shot last month by an unidentified black man in the city's Overbrook section. Well, he lied and confessed to fabricating the entire story, in addition to shooting himself, according to Philly.com. Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey called the incident "a terrible and embarrassing chapter in our society." Sgt. Robert Ralston should be kicked off the force immediately. It was not immediately clear why he lied about being shot by an unidentified black male, but there is simply no excuse for his actions.

Ralston will be suspended for 30 days with the intent to dismiss, Ramsey said. Ralston, married with five children, will face no criminal charges in the case, because he was offered immunity in exchange for his confession.

Ralston will also have to pay the cost of the massive manhunt that was sparked by his tale on April 5, Ramsey said. Police spent hours combing the West Philadelphia neighborhood for possible suspects, but no one was formally questioned or arrested. The Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 5, posted a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect.