A Colorado park ranger was arrested following allegations that he staged a stabbing incident, which prompted a significant law enforcement response, including school lockdowns.
Callum Heskett, 26, was taken into custody on Thursday, facing charges of attempting to influence public servants and tampering with evidence, both felonies. Additionally, he faces misdemeanor charges for false reporting, reckless endangerment, obstructing government actions, and second-degree official misconduct.
During the investigation, authorities noticed discrepancies in Heskett’s account. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office stated that as they delved deeper, they found contradictions in his statements, raising serious questions about the authenticity of his claims, alongside other suspicious evidence.
According to reports, Heskett, who was a seasonal ranger with Colorado Parks and Wildlife at Stanton State Park, claimed he was attacked and stabbed on the radio at around 9 AM on Tuesday. He stated that the attacker fled on foot.
As he spoke with investigators, Heskett gave detailed descriptions of his supposed assailant. This led law enforcement to initiate a search for a suspect that included drone surveillance. They also issued warnings to 8,600 residents in the vicinity about potential threats.
Schools in the area were locked down for safety, and residents were advised to remain indoors. Heskett was later airlifted to a hospital, while the search for the suspect continued for several hours.
Ultimately, individuals of interest were detained, questioned, and released after it was determined they had no connection to the attack.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, it became increasingly evident that Heskett’s account was flawed and fabricated following their initial interview with him. He remains hospitalized and will be taken to the Jefferson County Jail after his release.
Ty Petersburg, the assistant director of law enforcement for CPW, expressed gratitude for the sheriff’s department’s professionalism during the investigation and indicated that more information would be shared as this situation develops.
