Some lost climber stories turn out...

...to be really bizarre.

The climber reported missing last week in Eldorado Canyon is believed to have staged his disappearance with his friend who reported the accident. Lanch Hering, 21, returned from Iraq in July and was due back at Camp Pendleton, Calif., this month. His friend, Steve Powers of Boulder reported that Hering fell and hit his head, and that he left him to go for help. When he returned, Hering was gone.

For nearly a week, 100 people searched for Hering. Powers was arrested yesterday for investigation of a misdemeanor charge of false reporting. Authorities believe Hering didn't want to return to military duty. He hasn't been found.