PUDDLE OF MUDD Impersonator Assaulting Women In Illinois

August 31, 2006

MJI Interactive reports that police in Illinois are searching for a man who has been assaulting women while pretending to be former PUDDLE OF MUDD guitarist Paul Phillips. The man allegedly threatened two different females, one of whom he held at gunpoint, while claiming he was the rocker. "I've seen some crazy things . . . had a lot of weird experiences, but nothing like somebody impersonating me," said the real Phillips, who recently left PUDDLE OF MUDD to form the band OPERATOR.

On June 7, 2006 police say a man with a beard and sunglasses approached a young woman in Carbondale, Illinois at about 1:45 a.m. just outside a nursing home, according to "America's Most Wanted" (web site). They say the man approached her from behind and placed his hand over her mouth to keep her from yelling.

The young woman says the man told her something completely unexpected. He claimed he was the lead guitarist from the popular rock band PUDDLE OF MUDD. Then she says he put a hard metal object to her throat. Fortunately, a co-worker inside the nursing home saw what was happening and yelled at the attacker to stop. Police say the screams scared the attacker and he ran off.

Police say his next victim was not so lucky.

Later that morning, a 16-year-old girl at a gas station near Ullin, may have met the same man. At about 9:50 a.m. a man with a beard and sunglasses told her he was the lead guitarist for PUDDLE OF MUDD. She says he then asked her if she wanted an autograph and pointed to her chest. She says after turning down his offer, the man got upset. Police say the impersonator put a gun to her head and told her to drive.

The teenager was scared for her life... but she started driving. She says she was looking for an opportunity to jump out of the car when she saw a car dealership with people standing outside. Knowing there would be witnesses, she took her chance, jumping out of the car and running toward them. The attacker ran as well. Now the girl only imagine what would have happened if she hadn't escaped.

Police say the Paul Phillips impersonator is a smooth talker and has convinced many people that he is part of the band. They believe the suspect may have traveled out of the state and could be pulling his criminal scam on others.

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