Diver accused of faking death over charges

SANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- A 29-year-old man faked his death while spearfishing in California this year to avoid being sentenced for a felony conviction, police contend.

Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jason Kravetz said police suspect John Sung Park is still alive despite not being found during a 24-hour search in September after he disappeared during a spearfishing expedition, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Park's disappearance came four days before he was to be sentenced on felony charges to which he had already pleaded guilty. Those criminal charges ranged from burglary to drug possession.

Kravetz said Park's disappearance has come under question in part since the diver sold his car the day before and his friends had waited until they changed out of their wetsuits before reporting his sudden absence.

The car Park had sold was stolen nearly two weeks after the disappearance and the female owner's 22-year-old daughter was struck by the vehicle during the theft.

The Times said police are now searching for Park, who could face additional criminal charges for his disappearance and the car theft if found alive.