Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has terminated the seasonal ranger who allegedly staged a fake stabbing incident at Staunton State Park in Park and Jefferson counties mid-August. CPW fired the employee on August 22nd but only now released a statement on the termination.
“On August 22nd, Colorado Parks and Wildlife terminated the employment of the seasonal ranger involved in the stabbing incident at Staunton State Park. The temporary employee did not meet the standards of CPW or the public’s expectations of state employees.” – Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Staunton State Park Ranger Stabbing
On August 19th at approximately 9:30am, seasonal ranger Callum Heskett radioed for help, reporting that an assailant attacked and stabbed him before fleeing on foot. He described the attacker as a white male, 6’0″, 200lbs, wearing a grey shirt and blue jacket.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and numerous front range first responders rushed to scene, providing aid to the injured ranger while starting a search for the individual at the state park. Residents in the immediate area, including those several schools, received a warning to remain in lockdown for safety while JCSO SWAT and Drone teams were activated.
JCSO detained and interviewed two people of interest, but investigators determined both had no involvement in the incident. Meanwhile rescue crews evacuated Heskett to a nearby hospital.
As JCSO continued the investigation, cracks in Heskett’s story began to emerge. Additional conflicting and questionable evidence raised concerns surrounding his allegations and, after investigators conducted an interview with the ranger, they determined his story was flawed and erroneous.
Officers arrested Heskett on August 21st, though he remained under the care of a doctor at the hospital until he recovered. He’s currently facing 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 $10,000. The court presumes the alleged innocent of all charges until prosecutors prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
