Man Prompts Hazmat Response To Fake Ricin Scare, Family Says It's A Cry For Help
ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Investigators are working to get to the bottom of a fake ricin scare in Adams County. A man told police on Friday evening that they would find the poison at two locations, prompting a full response from hazardous materials crews.
Michael Hosier has a lengthy criminal history, and his family said though he is an expert with computers, he lacks common sense.
"Seems like he kind of just wasted everybody's time and made a big wow out of everything," said Walter Faulkner, Hosier's uncle.
That "big wow" was a response from FBI agents, Adams County deputies, and several fire crews.
What began as a simple arrest of Faulkner's nephew for outstanding warrants, quickly turned into a hazmat scene.
"As he was being cleared by medical staff, he told them there was ricin at this location as well as address at 5400 Sheridan Boulevard," said Sgt. Aaron Pataluna.
Emergency officials were sent to both neighborhoods and evacuated people from nearby homes.
But the deadly poison was never found.
"Most thing they found was my weed killer and concrete cleaner," said Faulkner.
Deputies aren't sure why 30-year-old Michael Hosier would lie about having the killer poison, but his family has a clear opinion.
"Cause he's stupid," said Hosier's brother, Robert Hosier.
"I think it's just more or less his way of crying for help, just kind of took it to drastic measures," Faulkner said.
Hosier has a history of drug use and violence, and apparently has been trying to hide behind his brother.
"My brother's been using my name for quite some time, come to find out," Robert said.
No one was hurt in the ordeal, but Faulkner knows his nephew may spend some time behind bars for it.
"I think truthfully locking him up ain't' gonna do him no good. He needs psychiatric help."
It's not yet clear if hosier will face any charges for lying about the ricin. The investigation is ongoing.