Stabbing in Staunton State Park found to be an ‘elaborate hoax’
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) says the alleged stabbing of a ranger at Staunton State Park was an 'elaborate hoax,' confirming that the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Ranger is now facing felony charges.
JCSO says that at 2 p.m. on Aug 21, a warrant for the arrest of 26-year-old Callum Heskett for multiple misdemeanors and felony charges was made.
According to the JCSO, deputies were dispatched to the park, which is a few miles west of Conifer, at around 10:20 a.m. on Aug. 19 for reports of a stabbing.
Deputies say Heskett told them that the assailant ran after stabbing him and gave them a detailed description of a suspect.
JSCO says they immediately provide aid, issuing alerts to thousands, locking down schools for safety, and activating SWAT and Drone teams, along with aviation teams. As Heskett was airlifted, deputies say two suspects were detained and interviewed.
However, now JSCO says that during the investigation, they noticed Heskett's statements became inconsistent. Saying that during an interview with the ranger, it was made clear that his story was "flawed and erroneous."
JSCO says Heskett has been arrested but remains at a hospital to recieve care. They say he faces the charges of attempt to influence a public servant, tampering with evidence, false reporting to authorities, reckless endangerment, obstructing government operations and 2nd degree official misconduct. His bond is set at $10,000.
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