OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Several officers from the Oklahoma City Police Department have been placed on leave following an April Fools’ Day prank that led to a false report involving a baby being thrown from a car, prompting a police pursuit. The incident was later confirmed as a hoax.
Oklahoma City Police Capt. Valerie Littlejohn announced on Monday that an internal investigation is underway. However, she declined to specify the number of officers on administrative leave or elaborate on the allegations.
“We are aware of a reported pursuit involving some of our officers that included serious claims, which has since been determined to be false,” Littlejohn stated. “We take this situation seriously and are committed to ensuring a thorough review is conducted.”
The investigation was initiated after police radio audio from April 1 was publicly shared. Reports from Oklahoma City television station KFOR and other media outlets included a dispatcher stating, “the city just advised that the suspect threw a baby out the window.”
The dispatcher further noted, “The police officer that’s in pursuit does not have a radio. He’s just messaging his location.”
After multiple officers reacted to the situation, a dispatcher later clarified: “It was an April Fools’ prank.”
Another dispatcher commented: “Not funny.”
No response was received by Monday from the president of the Oklahoma City police union regarding comments on the incident.
According to Oklahoma law, it is a misdemeanor to report “knowingly false information which could result in the dispatch of emergency services from any public agency.” Offenders may face a fine of up to $500, in addition to covering any costs related to deploying emergency personnel.
