Several police officers falsely claimed a baby had been thrown from a car window, according to a report. The disturbing incident was part of an ill-conceived April Fools’ prank that resulted in a pursuit through city streets until one officer admitted to the ruse. An Oklahoma City Police Department investigation has placed multiple officers believed to be involved on leave, with the exact number undisclosed at this time.
Oklahoma City Police Captain Valerie Littlejohn stated, “We are aware of a pursuit involving some of our officers based on serious allegations that have been confirmed as false. We are taking this matter seriously and are dedicated to conducting a thorough review.”
Frantic radio recordings captured dispatchers reacting to the false claims, initiated when an officer reported a pursuit around 9:30 pm on April 1 in Oklahoma City. The situation escalated when a dispatcher relayed the officer’s report of a baby being thrown out of a car window at a specific location, prompting offers of assistance from other agencies. It was later revealed that the entire incident was a misguided April Fools’ joke.
In Oklahoma, it is considered a misdemeanor to knowingly provide false information that could lead to the dispatch of emergency services, carrying potential fines and costs associated with the misuse of emergency resources. Legal expert Noble McIntyre mentioned that the consequences of misusing 911 services in Oklahoma could also include imprisonment up to 90 days, emphasizing the importance of upholding trust in law enforcement.
The Oklahoma City Police Department, established in the 1880s, employs over 1,300 individuals and serves a vast area of 621.2 square miles with a population exceeding 712,000 residents.
