Oklahoma City Police Officers Placed on Leave Following April Fools' Day Hoax Pursuit
The Oklahoma City Police Department has placed an unspecified number of officers on administrative leave after a reported April Fools' Day prank triggered a squad car pursuit based on false claims of a baby being thrown from a vehicle. Police Capt. Valerie Littlejohn confirmed on Monday that an internal investigation is actively underway into the incident, which involved serious allegations later determined to be a hoax.
Internal Investigation Launched into False Report
In a statement, Capt. Littlejohn acknowledged the department's awareness of the pursuit and the subsequent revelation that the claims were fabricated. "We are aware of a reported pursuit involving some of our officers that included serious claims, which has since been determined to be false," she said. "We take this situation seriously and are committed to ensuring a thorough review is conducted." Littlejohn declined to provide specific details regarding the number of officers placed on leave or the exact nature of the accusations, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Police Radio Audio Reveals Hoax Details
The investigation was prompted by police radio audio from the night of April 1, which was reported by Oklahoma City television station KFOR and other media outlets. In the audio, a dispatcher can be heard stating, "the city just advised that the suspect threw a baby out the window." Another dispatcher adds, "The police officer that's in pursuit does not have a radio. He's just messaging his location." After multiple officers responded to the urgent call, a dispatcher later clarified, "It was an April Fools' prank," to which another responded, "Not funny."
Legal Ramifications and Union Response
Under Oklahoma law, reporting knowingly false information that could lead to the dispatch of emergency services is classified as a misdemeanor crime. Penalties include a fine of up to $500, plus assessments for any costs associated with mobilizing emergency personnel. A message left on Monday with the president of the Oklahoma City police union seeking comment on the incident was not immediately returned, leaving the officers' perspectives and potential disciplinary actions unclear as the internal review progresses.
The incident highlights the serious consequences of pranks involving emergency services, diverting critical resources and potentially endangering public safety. As the police department continues its investigation, the community awaits further details on the outcomes and any measures to prevent similar hoaxes in the future.
