*

1.05.2009

man fakes death to evade felony charges

More Asians Behaving Badly... faked death edition! John Sung Park, a diver who went missing in Laguna Beach last fall, is believed to have faked his own death to evade felony charges: Police say diver faked his death in Laguna Beach.

Park allegedly disappeared in September while diving and spearfishing with friends, triggering a massive search effort. However, several incidents before and after the disappearance led authorities to believe Park is still alive and on the lam. Nice try, but you're not fooling anyone.

Looks like someone was afraid to face the music. Four days after he vanished, Park was scheduled to appear at a sentencing hearing on felony charges brought by La Palma police for drug possession, forgery, burglary and receiving stolen property. Park had pleaded guilty to the charges. Now he could face additional charges for causing a false emergency report.

Police believe Park could still be in the Los Angeles or north Orange County areas. He is 5 feet, 11 inches tall, 170 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, and could be driving a Mercedes with the license plate number 5ZUA733. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Laguna Beach Police Det. Bill Cindel at (949) 497-0373.