OKC Police Investigate Fake Pursuit Reported as 'April Fools Prank'

Dispatchers received false reports of a fleeing driver throwing a baby out of a car and hitting a pedestrian before officers claimed it was a joke.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:52am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police radio or dispatch equipment against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic without depicting any violence or victims.The misuse of police dispatch resources, even as an apparent prank, raises concerns about public trust and the potential for public safety risks.Oklahoma City Today

Oklahoma City police are investigating an incident where one or more officers apparently sent dispatchers a series of fake messages Wednesday night, including claims that a fleeing driver had thrown a baby out of a car window and run over a person, before later telling dispatchers it was all just an April Fools prank. The incident caused confusion and a response from other law enforcement agencies before the officers admitted it was a false report.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about the misuse of police resources and the potential for public safety risks when officers make false reports, even if intended as a prank. It also highlights the need for clear protocols and accountability measures around officer communications to ensure the integrity of emergency dispatch systems.

The details

According to dispatch audio, the incident unfolded just after 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday when dispatchers began tracking an officer they believed to be in the middle of a pursuit. The officer was sending updates through the police department's electronic messaging system instead of over the radio. Dispatchers then received messages claiming the fleeing driver had thrown a baby out of the car window and run over a person. Other law enforcement agencies, including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Oklahoma City Fire Department, responded to assist before the officers eventually admitted it was all a prank.

  • The incident occurred just after 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2026.
  • Dispatchers received the false reports of a baby being thrown from a car and a person being run over around 9:30 p.m.

The players

Oklahoma City Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the incident where one or more of its officers apparently sent false reports to dispatchers.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to assist with the reported pursuit before learning it was a false alarm.

Oklahoma City Fire Department

The fire department that responded to a report of a person being run over before learning the call was false.

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What they’re saying

“We are aware of a reported pursuit involving some of our officers that included serious claims, which has since been determined to be false. The matter is currently under review as part of an internal investigation.”

— Oklahoma City Police Spokesperson

“Not funny.”

— Oklahoma City Police Dispatcher

“That's what I'm saying.”

— Oklahoma City Police Dispatcher

What’s next

The Oklahoma City Police Department has launched an internal investigation into the incident to determine the full details and any potential disciplinary actions.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for strict protocols and accountability measures around officer communications to prevent the misuse of emergency dispatch resources, even if intended as a prank. Public trust in law enforcement can be eroded when officers make false reports, and the potential for public safety risks is a serious concern.