Hello, Gentlemen.
I'm sorry to be the one to confirm, but it's true.
I emailed the reporter, Alexandra Bodanovic. Here is a copy of the correspondence:
(begin)
Thanks for your interest. Someone sent us the same link, and believe me, I've already spoken to the Warrenton Policel Chief about this and there is no truth to it -- at all! I'm glad you liked the story too.
----- Original Message -----
From:
(edited by sixtigers)
To:
abogdanovic@timespapers.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 4:57 PM
Subject: Is this a case of "Internet Braggadocio", or had you heard of it?
This is in regards to your recent story:
Two remain in hospital after hit-and-run rampage
By: Alexandra Bogdanovic
06/26/2007
I came across an internet poster who says that he "stopped" this crime…here's his post:
http://forum.overclock3d.net/showthread.php?t=11101 <http://forum.overclock3d.net/showthread.php?t=11101>
Is this just some socially-retarded individual who makes up adventure fiction with himself as Hero, or is there some truth to this?
If there is some truth to this--something I'm doubting at this point (too many inconsistencies: He claims that after shooting the driver, he crashed the van and collapsed on the ground, while your story indicates both he and the van were found elsewhere)--why wouldn't it be reported?
Seems like it would be pretty newsworthy.
Thanks in advance for your time. And nice story, by the way. Good background work, and I like how you attempted to evenly balance other's opinions of Mr. Russell's mental faculties.
(end)
I had to check it out, fellas. I'm involved with firearms and fairly knowledgeable of CCW law (at least, here in California) and aspects of this story didn't ring true, or legally accurate.
It's nothing against Mr. Fragtek, and isn't personal. I am a supporter of firearms rights, however, and stories like this do not help our cause.
Ms. Bogdonovic's email addy is above. Confirm with her if you wish, though I'd reccomend you choose one individual to represent yourselves--she's a working reporter and doesn't need the hassle (and apparently I wasn't the first person to question her about this).
For those of you that were fooled by this, take solace in knowing you weren't the only ones.
Also remember that you all are probably friends with Fragtek for reasons other than his firearms familiarity. He stumbled a bit, and he's hoisted himself on his own petard, but he's still your friend.
He's just not the hero of that story.