Federal charges filed in UVA Wise hoax

ABINGDON, Va. --- A University of Virginia at Wise student accused of falsely reporting a gunman on campus is facing federal charges.

Bryant Alexander Hairston is charged in a criminal complaint with knowingly making false, fictitious and fraudulent statements and representations. Federal authorities filed the complaint Monday in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.

The university's police department charged the 20-year-old Martinsville resident last week with falsely summoning law enforcement officials.

Hairston is accused of calling 911 shortly before 9 p.m. on Jan. 23 and reporting that he had seen a gunman on campus. The call prompted university officials to place the school on lockdown.