CRIED WOLF

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Ranger Arrested After Bizarre ‘Elaborate Hoax’

The man was arrested after falsely claiming he was stabbed.

A Colorado Parks and Wildlife ranger was arrested Thursday after allegedly making false reports about being stabbed. Callum Heskett, a seasonal ranger at Staunton State Park, is facing multiple charges after claiming on Tuesday that he had been stabbed by an assailant who then fled on foot. The 26-year-old’s report triggered a manhunt that involved SWAT teams, drone units, and aerial support from Colorado State Patrol. As authorities issued alerts that resulted in lockdowns at nearby schools, Heskett was airlifted to hospital, where he underwent surgery. He is still receiving medical care but will be transferred to Jefferson County Jail after he is released. His bond is set at $10,000. Authorities did not share how they determined his report was a hoax, only saying that, “As the investigation progressed, inconsistencies in Heskett’s statements emerged.” The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office added: “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.” Authorities labeled his story an “elaborate hoax,” according to ABC News, and believe Heskett stabbed himself.