Police Say Acid Attack Self-inflicted

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Bethany Storro, before and after she said she was the victim of an acid attack. Left photo courtesy of her family; right photo courtesy of Legacy Emanuel Medical Center

VANCOUVER, Wash. — A woman who gained sympathy worldwide after she claimed a random assailant threw acid on her face came forward Thursday with startling admission: She inflicted the attack on herself.

Vancouver police chief Clifford Cook said Bethany Storro admitted under police questioning to fabricating a story about the attack, in which she suffered severe burns.

Cook said he did not know a motive for Storro's actions, but added she is "very remorseful." He said Storro was still being interviewed by detectives.

The police chief said that "during the course of the investigation, several discrepancies began to emerge regarding the alleged attack," leading police to search her home earlier Thursday and interview her.

"During the interview, Ms. Storro admitted the injuries were self-inflicted," Cook said.

Police had been seeking a black woman with a ponytail after Storro described the Aug. 30 attack. She had said the woman asked her, "Hey, pretty girl, want something to drink?" then threw acid in her face.

After the incident, Storro made several media appearances, but a planned interview on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" was canceled. She said she had received correspondence from people around the world concerned for her well being.

Vancouver police Commander Marla Schuman said detectives are working on a way to return any money donated to Storro.

Cook said any decision to charge Storro with a crime would be left to the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Clark County Senior Deputy Prosecutor John Fairgrieve did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press seeking comment Thursday.

"She is extremely upset," Schuman said. "In many ways, this got bigger than she expected."

Schuman was asked whether Storro will face a charge of filing a false police report, to which she responded: "At this point, yes, that would certainly fit."

A burn surgeon who operated on Storro said the substance thrown on her face was an acid as strong as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid.

Source: The Seattle Times