SWATTED: PARK RANGER STABBING 'ELABORATE HOAX'

UPDATE This week's reported stabbing of a park ranger at Staunton State Park - which led to a massive search for a knife-wielding attacker - was an "elaborate hoax" and the ranger is facing a variety of charges, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said Thursday. Callum Heskett, 26, radioed for help at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday reporting that he had been knifed, and an assailant had fled on foot, the sheriff's office said. Heskett, who was indeed injured, also provided a detailed description of said suspect. The temporary, seasonal park ranger was flown by helicopter to a hospital for treatment of his wounds. He remained under medical care Thursday. "As the investigation progressed, inconsistencies in Heskett’s statements emerged," officials 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 more clear that his story was flawed and erroneous," officials said. During the manhunt, the park and nearby homes were evacuated, schools were locked down SWAT teams and aircraft were dispatched, and police briefly detained two people. “We appreciate the county sheriff’s professionalism and partnership," said Ty Petersburg of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.