Man trying to cover-up unintentional shooting causes massive police search, business lockdowns

30-year-old Mario Walden was at the Baymont Inn & Suites motel in Brunswick, Georgia early Friday morning when he unintentionally shot himself in the leg with a handgun.  Walden told police he had been shot by a 5 foot 6 inch black male wearing a mask and a multicolored long sleeve shirt.

An estimated 20 uniformed officers plus detectives and a dozen special operations team officers responded to the shooting scene to search for a gunman who did not exist.

A nearby day-care center and other business were locked down while heavily armed officers conducted the search of the motel and surrounding area.

Police now believe Walden unintentionally shot himself and that a friend hid the gun for him so he wouldn't get in trouble for having it.

Walden was airlifted to a trauma center for treatment.  His condition has not been released.  Police are still investigating the incident and no charges have been filed.