Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

EDGARTOWN, Mass. -- A 60-year-old man is facing a disorderly conduct charge after allegedly lying about seeing two great white sharks off a Martha Vineyard’s beach.

Edgartown Police Chief Paul Condlin said Michael Lopenzo warned people to get out of the water at the Joseph Silva State Beach on Thursday. Lopenzo claimed he had seen two sharks about 22 feet long and 3,000 pounds each while he was fishing.

Officials closed the beach, but Condlin said investigators later determined Lopenzo was lying.

Condlin say Lopenzo gave the name of a nonexistent boat and owner to detectives investigating the sighting.

Attempts to reach Lopenzo were not immediately successful.

A second beach was closed Thursday on the island -- where the classic horror movie “Jaws” was filmed -- after lifeguards at South Beach said they might have seen a great white shark.

In 1974, Steven Spielberg chose Martha’s Vineyard for “Jaws,” depicting a series of deadly great white attacks in the fictional community of Amity.

The beaches were reopened Friday.

-- The Associated Press

Comments

Debbie said:

What a stupid thing to do!!!

Link | July 11, 2008 6:46 PM
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ed said:

Y'all know me. Know how I earn a livin'. I'll catch this bird for you, but it ain't gonna be easy. Bad fish! Not like going down to the pond and chasing bluegills and tommycocks. This shark, swallow you whole. No shakin', no tenderizin', down you go.

Link | July 12, 2008 5:45 PM
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af said:

who would believe two 22 feet sharks where there?!!!

Link | July 15, 2008 11:14 PM
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