Park ranger radios for help after ‘stabbing,’ then story unravels, CO officials say

A seasonal park ranger was arrested after being accused of lying about being stabbed, Colorado officials said.

On Aug. 19, Callum Heskett, 26, called for help from Staunton State Park saying he’d been attacked and stabbed and gave a detailed description of the alleged suspect, according to a news release by Jefferson County.

Deputies were deployed to the scene and began searching for the suspect, officials said.

An alert was issued to 8,600 residents in the area for the “potential danger” and schools were put on lockdown, officials said.

A SWAT and drone team were deployed and Heskett was transported to a hospital while authorities kept looking for the suspect, officials said.

Two people of interest were detained, and eventually investigators determined they had no involvement in the crime, officials said.

During the investigation, officers learned Heskett had inconsistencies in his statements, officials said.

As the investigation continued, officers found questionable evidence and it “became even more clear that his story was flawed and erroneous,” authorities said.

He was arrested and is facing charges of attempting to influence a public servant, tampering with evidence, false reporting to authorities, reckless endangerment, obstructing government operations and official misconduct, officials said.

Jefferson County is about a 30-mile drive southwest from Denver.