MILLPORT, Ala. (WCBI) – Two men are accused of using tornadoes as a way to scam Millport, Alabama residents.

Investigators say an alleged victim also confronted the men with a shotgun.

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Edgar Poe Barfield of Noxubee County is charged with theft by deception in the first degree, a felony.

Police Chief Charles White tells WCBI that Barfield and another man were driving around southern Lamar County asking for money.

White says Barfield told the five victims that his family members died in the Birmingham or Holly Springs tornadoes.

The first reports came in on Christmas Eve.

This past weekend an alleged victims confronted Barfield and an accomplice at a Millport convenience store.

When the duo tried leave the man shot out their tire, forcing them to wait on police to arrive.

The accused accomplice and alleged victim were both charged with misdemeanors.

White says Barfield was released from prison several days before his arrest and had been staying in a Columbus motel.

The incident remains under investigation.