But unfortunately for the suspect, a video recorder was running in a holding room where he’d been left after questioning.
The sheriff’s department said Tuesday the footage shows 33-year-old Aleksander Robin Tomaszewski (tom-uh-SHEV’-skee) hitting himself, leaving two black eyes.
Investigators say he told them he hoped filing a complaint would get him released.
Authorities say the Lucerne, California man was brought in for questioning Jan. 9 on an unrelated case that’s under investigation.
He was charged with initiating a false report and attempted coercion, and found guilty last week. He was sentenced to 20 days in jail and fined $500.