A Colorado park ranger said he was attacked in a violent stabbing, leading to a massive law enforcement response that forced the closure of the park and nearby schools — but authorities say the report was an "elaborate hoax" that has now earned the man felony charges.

Callum Heskett, 26, is charged with attempting to influence a public servant, tampering with evidence, falsely reporting to authorities, reckless endangerment, obstructing government operations and second-degree official misconduct.

It all started at around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, when Heskett — a Colorado Parks and Wildlife seasonal ranger at Staunton State Park — radioed for help, "claiming he had been attacked and stabbed," the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said. He reportedly said his attacker ran away afterward, desc

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