Police in Rio charge Ryan Lochte with filing false robbery report

American swimmer Ryan Lochte was charged Thursday by Brazilian police with filing a false robbery report during the Rio Olympics.

In a statement, the police said Lochte will be notified and can decide if he wants to introduce a defense in Brazil, The Associated Press reports. The indictment will also be sent to the International Olympic Committee's ethics commission. Lochte had said that while returning to the Olympic Village from a party Aug. 15, he and three other swimmers were robbed at gunpoint by men with badges. Police say a video instead shows an altercation between the swimmers and armed security guards. Lochte later said he was intoxicated at the time and the confrontation was caused by his behavior.

In Brazil, the penalty for filing a false crime report is up to 18 months in prison. If he does not return to Brazil to face the charge, Lochte could be tried in absentia.

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