A Colorado park ranger who claimed to have been attacked and stabbed has been arrested after investigators determined his story was allegedly part of a hoax that prompted authorities to launch a search and lockdown several schools.
Callum Heskett, 26, was taken into custody on Thursday and charged with attempting to influence a public servant, tampering with evidence, both felonies. He also faces misdemeanor charges of false reporting to authorities, reckless endangerment, obstructing government operations and second-degree official misconduct.
Investigators said inconsistencies in his story began to emerge during a probe of the incident.
Visitor maps at Staunton State Park in Pine, Colo., where a park ranger has been arrested for allegedly faking a stabbing attack there. (RJ Sangosti / The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Several schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution and residents were asked to stay indoors.
Heskett was airlifted to a hospital while the search for the alleged suspect continued for several hours. During that time, two people of interest were detained, interviewed, and released after investigators determined they weren’t involved in the attack.
“After investigators conducted their first interview with Heskett, it became even more clear that his story was flawed and erroneous,” the sheriff’s office said.
Heskett remains in a hospital and will be transferred to the Jefferson County Jail upon his release, authorities said.
The entrance to Colorado’s Staunton State Park in Pine, Colo., where a park ranger allegedly faked a stabbing attack, police say. (RJ Sangosti / The Denver Post via Getty Images)
“CPW appreciates the county sheriff’s professionalism and partnership in investigating this incident and will share additional information as this matter develops,” CPW’s Assistant Director of Law Enforcement Ty Petersburg said.
