SPOKANE -- An elderly, disabled man who claimed he was attacked and robbed of his groceries in North Spokane last week made the whole story up because he was depressed, according to Spokane Police.

KREM 2

This is the area in North Spokane an elderly man alleged black men assaulted and robbed him.

Kenneth Koch told officers three young black men attacked him Friday afternoon as he walked home from the Safeway store near Mission and Hamilton.

As the investigation continued, detectives determined the injuries Koch received were actually self-inflicted.

Police say Koch was depressed around the holidays and when asked by a friend about those injuries, Koch made up the robbery story.

The orginal story of the robbery, which was widely reported by KREM 2 News and other media outlets, sparked both outrage and generosity. A radio DJ from K102 in North Idaho even collected donations for Koch. Police delivered a $100 gift card to him yesterday thanks to K102 listeners.

The case is being sent to the prosecutor's office for review on possible charges.