You all probably remember the unbelievable true story of Christopher Heben, the former U.S. Navy SEAL who, back in late March, was in the Mustard Seed parking lot in Bath Township when he had a run-in with a driver that nearly hit him and then screamed obscenities in his direction. That’s not the unbelievable part. That comes after Heben came back to the parking lot to retrieve his wallet from the car before going back into the store when the same driver shoots him in the stomach. Holy crap! That’s crazy.
But wait, there’s more. Heben plugs the wound himself, hops in his car, and goes in pursuit of the shooter and two other suspects before detouring to the Bath Fire Department for medical treatment. He’d end up at Akron General, posting pictures to his Facebook page and doing interviews with Channel 5 and the Beacon Journal and everyone else. What a story! Random violence in a suburbs and the perfect hero. From New York to London, his tale was told.
Oh, and the media had no shortage of opportunities to talk to Heben.
A few weeks before the shooting, emails starting pouring out from Robert Goldfarb and C. Peter Cimoroni of Razor Marketing. Heben was a new client and a spokesman for the Montrose Auto Group and oh golly was he one of those honest American boys you could get behind.
Here’s one email we received back on March 19.
Thought you might be interested in a short interview with a national hero: The Montrose Auto Group has hired a national hero as their spokesperson. Imagine having this man on your side…After battling the enemy for hours in Africa, the Navy SEALs were victorious. Chris’ opponent was severely wounded. What does Chris do? He saves the enemy’s life.
Immediately following the termination of Osama Bin Laden, Chris emerged as the media’s most sought after Special Operations subject matter expert, appearing in hundreds of interviews on over-the-air television, cable news networks, and radio networks such as NPR; providing expertise and relevance on a variety of topics relating to the special operations community. C
Due to his many favorable on-air appearances and growing popularity, Chris was heavily featured in the Discovery Channel’s specials, Secrets of SEAL Team Six (June 2011) and Inside Bin Laden’s Lair (August 2012), the History Channel’s America’s Book of Secrets: Black Op’s (April 2013), and the United Kingdom’s Channel 4 documentary; Wikileaks, Secrets and Lies: The Julian Assange Story.
As a Navy SEAL, Chris served in combat and conflict for 15 years, closer to death than anyone can possibly imagine…risking life and limb in well over 200 missions; in the world’s most volatile regions. Ask Chris why? “Because I am a patriot!”
This remarkable, local, SEAL is now available for interviews, corporate speaking engagements, motivational seminars and product endorsements.
A few days after the shooting, Razor marketing passed along a first-person press release with Heben’s own account of what happened. It seemed there were already details that didn’t mesh with his story and he wanted a chance to clarify exactly what went down in that parking lot once and for all.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2014 – Akron, OH: On Friday, March 28that approximately 1720 hours, I was shot during a verbal altercation in the retail parking lot near the intersection of Medina and Cleveland-Massillon Roads. During my subsequent hospitalization I was made aware of conflicting stories circulating throughout the news media, the Internet, and even among my inner circle of friends and contacts. I would like to take this opportunity to accurately recount the facts of the incident in an attempt to set the record straight and, hopefully, to bring those responsible for this act to justice.
As I made my way from my vehicle to the Mustard Seed restaurant, a vehicle nearly reversed into me, in what I perceived to be a random and non-calculated manner. I was taken by surprise but, by moving fast, I was able to avoid being struck. My immediate reaction was to verbalize my displeasure to the driver. In very calm, clear and stern manner, I informed him that he nearly struck me with his vehicle. As you may imagine, he also had some choice words, to the contrary, for me.
I established that there were two, possibly three, individuals in the vehicle. After saying my peace, I continued towards the store, as I recognized that this was not a situation that required further incident. After 10 or 12 steps, I realized that I had forgotten my wallet in my car. I returned to my vehicle, retrieved my wallet and within moments of heading back to the store, I was approached for a second time by the same vehicle.
The driver-side occupant, still seated behind a semi-closed and tinted window, confronted me with a verbal challenge. I responded, and at that very moment I felt like I was struck with something or that I was ‘kicked’ in the abdomen. As it turns out, one of the occupants of the vehicle had shot me through the door of the vehicle. At that point, the vehicle then fled the scene.
Fueled by a rush of adrenaline, I made my way back to my truck and pursued their vehicle. I did this until I came to the visual realization that I was bleeding from my stomach. I knew I was bleeding internally, as well, as I began to feel intense symptoms of shock. At that point, I broke off the chase and headed directly to the Bath Fire Department, who took tremendous initial care of my injury, and have since outlined these same details to the Bath Police Department. Bath PD are currently investigating this incident.
I want to extend much gratitude and many thanks to the wonderful staff at Akron General Hospital. Through intake into their Level 1 Trauma Center, I was quickly ushered to the CT scanner and promptly taken for emergency surgery, to remove a projectile from my abdomen. My abdomen was surgically repaired by the Chief trauma surgeon on staff. I am thankful for his abilities and for the fact that he was there. I also wish to thank all those who cared for me on the Trauma floor there as well as all who have extended their support to me via Facebook, phone calls, emails and texts.
Best regards,
Chris
A week later, on April 10, Razor Marketing got back in touch with a personal note to let us know how Chris Heben and his gunshot wound and Montrose Auto Group and its new No Customer Left Behind ad campaign would be worthy of media attention.
Dear Vince:
His recent shooting posted him all over the news the past two weeks. Now…this is what we were supposed to promote!
We do hope this generates interest in further discussion.
C. Peter Cimoroni
Chairman & CEO, Razor Marketing
The following was the press release attached to that dynamic pitch.
MONTROSE AUTO GROUP SPOTLIGHTS MILITARY PRECISION IN NEW AD CAMPAIGN
U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Heben Leads Operation to Ensure No Customer Left Behind
Fairlawn, OH —- Michael W. Thompson, Founder and CEO of the Montrose Auto Group featuring 12 manufacturer brands at thirteen locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, has green-lighted a mission to promote his regional group of automotive dealerships with the support of U.S. Navy SEAL Christopher Mark Heben.
Thompson, a retired Army veteran with experience in Vietnam, enlisted the former Navy SEAL, whose tours of duty included operations in Iraq, Africa, Pakistan and Afghanistan, in order to promote the patriotic themes of growth and prosperity in today’s often unsettling climate. Heben, from Northeast Ohio, together with Thompson share an undying patriotism for their home and for America.
Following the termination of Osama Bin Laden, Chris emerged as the national media’s most featured special operations subject matter expert, appearing in hundreds of interviews on over-the-air television, cable news networks, and national and regional radio networks including NPR, providing expertise and relevance on a variety of topics relating to the special operations community.
Coinciding with the launch of spring and capitalizing on the high demand for quality and affordable automobiles as witnessed at this year’s Cleveland Auto Show, Thompson and Heben will unveil a broadcast and digital marketing campaign featuring the U.S. Navy SEAL as the new spokesperson for the Montrose Auto Group, with an enduring message of “No Customer Left Behind,” through traditional media including television, print and digital marketing outlets.
The Montrose Auto Group features highly trained, manufacturer certified sales and service personnel, and works with a variety of local, regional and national lenders to provide financing solutions for every conceivable situation. Now featuring U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Heben, you’ve now got a NEW friend at Montrose!
MORE ABOUT THE MONTROSE AUTO GROUP:
The Montrose Auto Group features 12 brands at thirteen locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Our mission at the Montrose Auto Group is to be the best in every aspect of our business by providing unparalleled customer service through our professional and courteous sales and service associates, while supporting the community that we work and live in. And Remember, “You’ve Got a Friend at Montrose!” For more information on the Montrose Auto Group please visit www.GoMontrose.com.MORE ABOUT CHRISTOPHER MARK HEBEN:
Upon leaving active duty with the United States Navy SEALS, Chris Heben performed duties as a Special Operations Team Leader for a private military contractor in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Al Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb operations. Through these initiatives, Chris helped to establish and enforce US foreign policy. Chris remains an active member of the US Special Operations community.Chris Heben is an internationally recognized public speaker and continues to pursue his passion for the creative arts in the form of television and film acting, song writing, singing performances and voice acting. Today, he is the official voice for Under Armour’s new hunting TV show, Ridge Reaper, and co-star of Animal Planet’s Ivory Wars. Chris is currently hard at work promoting his debut album, The Patriot Project, and is legendary in international circles for his motivational speaking engagements. Chris is working on an autobiography entitled “Undaunted” in the hopes of inspiring others to pursue their dreams. For more information on Christopher Mark Heben please visit www.ChrisHeben.com.
All caught up?
Good.
Because Heben, according to Bath Township police, was lying. Oh, he might have been shot, and something was removed from his stomach wound, but… well, the rest is bullshit.
Bath Township detectives believe they have “overwhelming evidence” to prove a former Navy SEAL lied when he claimed he was shot during an altercation with three men outside of a popular shopping center.
Chris Heben, 44, has been charged with misdemeanor counts of falsification and obstruction of justice.
“We have overwhelming evidence based upon video, cell phone records and interviews that the shooting did not occur in the West Market Plaza and that Mr. Heben made false allegations to us,” said Bath Township Police Chief Mike McNeely.
For the record, we have yet to hear from Razor Marketing or Chris Heben today.
*Update: Montrose Auto Group sent this out today. Important updates on their upcoming advertising campaigns.
This article appears in Sep 3-9, 2014.
Why was Bath Township police investing something that happened in Akron?
I hope this means they stop running his stupid car dealership commercials. It’s disgusting that he uses his military service as an advertising ploy.
Serviceman or not, seems like this fella’s quite the scumbag. Full story on this character will be really interesting….
@ohboylollie…the shooting allegedly took place in montrose which is bordered by 4 different jurisdictions. The mustard seed lies in the bath township jurisdiction even though it is an akron address. He also presented to the bath police department. Despite this, because it is a large shopping district that is shared, the 4 municipalities will share and work together to solve crimes committed in the area.
I’ll bet there are a couple of people(3) in tiny pieces spread out on Lake Erie by now. No offense, but I suspect he may have done something in retaliation to the incident, and is using the paper trail as a base.
Forgive my if I sound disrespectful. My curiosity is getting the best of me. This guy is a pretty incredible individual andd deserves respect , above all scrutiny.
wait, what? you’re saying he put a hit on people, but also is incredible and deserves respect? did you take your meds today kaminski?
….meds prescribed to you on a forged script pad signed by heben?
i appreciate what soldiers do. that doesn’t make every individual who happens to be a soldier worthy of respect. there are scumbags everywhere, regardless of occupation.
I happened in Bath Township in Montrose.
I’m guessing this is going to destroy his whole “cash in on the fact he was a soldier” thing.
Why would your Facebook manager lead into this article with “Chris Heben told some big fat lies” when the jury for this case hasn’t been selected yet? Better yet, why would Vince title his article in a manner that asserts this special forces veteran “lied” and claim in the article, “but… well, the rest is bullshit” when all he has to go on is the filling of two misdemeanor charges? At best, it’s yellow journalism. Let’s put this into perspective, due to the media coverage Chris received after the shooting (bad light for Bath Township) and the fact that Bath has failed to identify the shooters after nearly 6 months (no one disputes he was shot), it looks like they are now moving to protect the city’s image and the only commerce they have, West Market Plaza (where the shooting happened). Not to mention, we are talking about the same county responsible for documented issues such as a police chief declaring he was framed for murder, trustees silencing detective grievances, law enforcement hiding troves of evidence, officials using tax money for escorts, limo rides, etc., and detectives intimidating citizens for exposing their corruption. Bath didn’t come away looking very good in the first round of press. I suspect it will be the same for the second. Also, setting Chris’ court date for 9/11 was a real classy move. Roger up.
Yellow journalism, or the yellow press, is a type of journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news and instead uses eye-catching headlines to sell more newspapers. Techniques may include exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism.By extension, the term yellow journalism is used today as a pejorative to decry any journalism that treats news in an unprofessional or unethical fashion.
I think it’s highly possible that Heben accidentally shot himself and is too embarrassed to admit it so he fabricated a story about what happened. his claim about “wanting to keep it on the down low” is obviously bogus or else he wouldn’t have been granting interviews with the media. in this bad light, his interviews really stink of shameless self promotion and desire for celebrity status in the extreme. hopefully he did not use his real life heroics to b.s. a public all to willing to believe someone like him. I would caution against being too hasty to pass judgment on this guy, however, but if it comes out in the end that he lied about this, then what a shame. America has come to idolize the SEALs as first rate American heroes since killing bin Laden, and rightfully so, but if this is true, then as an outsider I’d say he’s really fallen short of the expectations he swore to live by as a service member and has royally let down the people he led to believe in him. in the end, I hope that he is vindicated and that this he is simply a victim of miscommunication but the online chatter and that the local authorities feel there is enough probable cause to charge him doesn’t look good. I wish him luck in his recovery and I hope he is ultimately cleared of any illegality and that the truth prevails.
I have been in that shopping center several times a week and gone to the Mustard Seed at least once a week for the past 4 years. I am also an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Navy and have worked with and around many SEAL team members. Not that it makes me a reliable source or expert in parking lot violence but I can assure each and every commenter here that had this gentleman been shot in broad daylight in the middle of that parking lot there would have been far more evidence of said shooting than just his verbal account. If the marketing release presented here is in fact his account of how he was shot then he is a bold faced liar, plain and simple. I don’t need to wait for a jury to affirm that. Not to mention there would have been, at the very least, one witness to corroborate his story. Which there are none. He needs to come clean about his drug deal gone bad and save himself and everyone else the aggravation. This article also fails to mention that his brother was caught lying about being a special forces commando for the U.S. Army in Afghanistan but was actually found to have been dropped from special forces school on his 1st attempt and voluntarily quit on his 2nd try. He then went AWOL from his unit and was discharged shortly thereafter. His brother, our superhero shooting victim was also found to have falsely corroborated his brother’s lies on social media in an attempt at landing him a job. These are not assumptions they are facts. The most simple web search will yield numerous stories in regards to these two characters. It’s no different than Chris Kyle, the self proclaimed greatest American hero on the planet Earth, who has also been proven to be a compulsive liar. He too made up a similar story of being assaulted by black men at a gas station. He just took his lie a step further claiming to have shot and killed both of them. Yet people flocked to the theatre and to snag up his memoir. A book from which the proceeds he and his wife claimed would be going to families of fallen soldiers which has also been proven false (or at least the percentages of which they claim were being given are innacurate). We need to stop letting our silly fascination with American patriotism and the Navy SEAL cloud our better judgement. Fanatical American “patriots” calling me out for being a satin worshipping muslim who rapes children and must have been born in the Kenya in 3, 2, 1…..
The Montrose Auto Group. Claims that you have a “friend” @ Montrose. I assure you that the only people that Montrose is Friends with are the 6 -8 owners. They have one of the lowest BBB rating and abnormally high employee turnover. The reason for the low ratings are the complete lack of empathy for customers . They consistently advertise a $88. Down, $88 a month on late night TV. The ad does not mention the Montrose name (probably a legal loophole). The viewer that is prompted to call the #. They are then put in touch or directed to the Montrose Auto Group telemarketers. These low income, poor credit people are then told they are approved, they may not even need a drivers license, $0 down, blah blah. All potential clients are scheduled to go to the closest Montrose location. Shortly after arrival they are told they do not qualify and if a bank will do a car loan they will need $ down. This is a high volume approach. The more people they pull in the door better the odds of a sale. I would imagine that 15-20% of this poor target actually can get a loan. Of those that do get an actual bank “approval” nobody EVER qualifies for this offer! Hopefully the OHIO attorney General, PA attorney general stops or FTC stop this. Who will advocate and protect these consumers. This practice is not just one of there locations but a philosophy and business practice they rely on. Contact Mike, Joe or Chris and stand up for OHIO