Garfield County Sheriff’s Office investigators determined a man who claimed to have been shot on July 16 while helping another stranded driver on Highway 13 actually shot himself.

According to the sheriff’s deputies, the man said he was shot around 12:30 a.m. after stopping to help a car that was pulled over with its hazard lights on. He said he was able to return to his car and drive about four miles to the Rifle Fireside Bowling Alley. From there, he was taken by ambulance to the Grand River Medical Center and airlifted to St. Mary’s Hospital.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office continued their investigation, looking for a red car whose occupants the victim claimed had shot him.

Investigators later determined the man’s gunshot wound was self-inflicted.

Officials said they are continuing to investigate the reason for the shot and the initial false report.

The Sheriff’s Office recommends contacting dispatch to report a stranded vehicle. Dispatch will contact the appropriate agency to assist.