Colorado park ranger charged after stabbing attack turns out to be 'elaborate hoax', sheriff says
A Colorado Parks and Wildlife ranger was arrested Thursday after investigators determined his reported stabbing earlier this week was an "elaborate hoax," authorities said.
Callum Heskett, 26, a seasonal ranger at Staunton State Park, faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly making false claims about being attacked, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
The stabbing was reported Tuesday after Heskett radioed for help around 9:30 a.m., claiming he had been stabbed by an assailant who fled on foot. His report triggered a massive emergency response, including SWAT teams, drone units and aerial support from Colorado State Patrol.
Heskett was airlifted to the hospital and later underwent surgery.
The reported attack led authorities to issue a Lookout Alert to 8,600 nearby residents and implement lockdowns at several schools, police said. Two people were temporarily detained during the investigation but were later cleared of any involvement.
Heskett remained under medical care Thursday when authorities issued a warrant for his arrest. Officials said he will be transferred to Jefferson County Jail after he is released, with bond set at $10,000.
Authorities haven't said exactly how they determined Heskett's report was a hoax.
"As the investigation progressed, inconsistencies in Heskett’s statements emerged," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "That, along with other conflicting and questionable evidence, further raised concerns about the validity of his allegations. After investigators conducted their first interview with Heskett, it became even more clear that his story was flawed and erroneous."
The sheriff's said in a post on X they believe Heskett stabbed himself.
The charges against Heskett include attempting to influence a public servant, tampering with evidence, false reporting to authorities, reckless endangerment, obstructing government operations and second-degree official misconduct.
The incident had initially sparked a manhunt in the 4,000-acre park southwest of Denver, with heavily armed officers searching the grounds and evacuating visitors. Later, authorities said they believed it was a targeted attack.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said it "remains committed to ensuring public safety and holding individuals accountable when false reports create unnecessary risks for the community and first responders."
