JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO - Authorities with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) said that the stabbing of a ranger at Staunton State Park this past week was found to be "an elaborate hoax."
The park was evacuated on the morning of Tuesday, August 19th, as officials searched for a man they said was suspected of stabbing a park ranger, 9News reported. Crews used air and ground search efforts to look for the man. An emergency alert was sent out to 8,600 people nearby to warn them of potential danger.
Several schools and buildings nearby were asked to remain on lockdown. The ranger was then taken to the hospital via a helicopter. A few days later, authorities said that their investigation revealed the call was an "elaborate hoax" and that the ranger, identified as 26-year-old Callum Heskett, had stabbed himself.
Investigators also said that Heskett conducted Google searches that morning for "how deep are arteries in lower abdomen" and "3.5 inch stab wound," according to court documents obtained by 9News.
On Thursday, August 21st, JCSO announced that Heskett was still being treated for his injuries and would be arrested upon his release on charges of attempt to influence a public servant, false reporting to authorities, and reckless endangerment.
JCSO said that Heskett, a seasoned ranger, radioed for help around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, claiming he had been attacked and stabbed. He also reported the attacker had run away and gave a detailed description of the suspect.
Deputies responded to the park and found Heskett kneeling in a grassy area just off a service road. The deputy reported that Heskett was holding a 3-4 inch pocket knife that appeared to have been impaled in his left lower abdomen. He told the deputy that he was driving up the road when he saw a man hunched over near a tree and got out to check on him.
When he approached the man, Heskett reported that the man said, "F*ck the police" and charged at him. He said that during the alleged struggle, the man gained control of his pocket knife and stabbed him with it before running away.
During the initial stages of the investigation, two people of interest were detained, interviewed, and determined to have no involvement. "As the investigation progressed, inconsistencies in Heskett's statements emerged," the sheriff's office said.
"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 clearer that his story was flawed and erroneous."
Investigators noted that Heskett said he had been hit in the back of the head, but didn't appear to have any head injuries. They also said that there were no "hesitation" or "slash marks" around his knife wound. Deputies also said they found it "odd" that there were no dirt marks on the back of his uniform despite relaying a story that he was on his back in a "ground fight."
Heskett told investigators he previously worked for the Lafayette Police and suffered from PTSD that was the result of being run over while serving with the Lafayette Police.
The park was evacuated on the morning of Tuesday, August 19th, as officials searched for a man they said was suspected of stabbing a park ranger, 9News reported. Crews used air and ground search efforts to look for the man. An emergency alert was sent out to 8,600 people nearby to warn them of potential danger.
Several schools and buildings nearby were asked to remain on lockdown. The ranger was then taken to the hospital via a helicopter. A few days later, authorities said that their investigation revealed the call was an "elaborate hoax" and that the ranger, identified as 26-year-old Callum Heskett, had stabbed himself.
Investigators also said that Heskett conducted Google searches that morning for "how deep are arteries in lower abdomen" and "3.5 inch stab wound," according to court documents obtained by 9News.
On Thursday, August 21st, JCSO announced that Heskett was still being treated for his injuries and would be arrested upon his release on charges of attempt to influence a public servant, false reporting to authorities, and reckless endangerment.
JCSO said that Heskett, a seasoned ranger, radioed for help around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, claiming he had been attacked and stabbed. He also reported the attacker had run away and gave a detailed description of the suspect.
Deputies responded to the park and found Heskett kneeling in a grassy area just off a service road. The deputy reported that Heskett was holding a 3-4 inch pocket knife that appeared to have been impaled in his left lower abdomen. He told the deputy that he was driving up the road when he saw a man hunched over near a tree and got out to check on him.
When he approached the man, Heskett reported that the man said, "F*ck the police" and charged at him. He said that during the alleged struggle, the man gained control of his pocket knife and stabbed him with it before running away.
During the initial stages of the investigation, two people of interest were detained, interviewed, and determined to have no involvement. "As the investigation progressed, inconsistencies in Heskett's statements emerged," the sheriff's office said.
"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 clearer that his story was flawed and erroneous."
Investigators noted that Heskett said he had been hit in the back of the head, but didn't appear to have any head injuries. They also said that there were no "hesitation" or "slash marks" around his knife wound. Deputies also said they found it "odd" that there were no dirt marks on the back of his uniform despite relaying a story that he was on his back in a "ground fight."
Heskett told investigators he previously worked for the Lafayette Police and suffered from PTSD that was the result of being run over while serving with the Lafayette Police.
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