Oklahoma Police Officers Suspended for 'April Fools' Prank

Dispatchers believed a baby was thrown from a car and a person was run over during a fake pursuit

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:33pm

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Several Oklahoma City police officers have been placed on administrative leave after an 'April Fools' prank led dispatchers to believe a fleeing driver had thrown a baby out of a car window and run over a person. The prank unfolded on Wednesday night when dispatchers tracked an officer who appeared to be in the middle of a pursuit, receiving updates through the department's messaging system. At one point, dispatchers were told a baby had been thrown from the vehicle and a person had been run over, prompting a response from firefighters. The officers later admitted it was an April Fools' prank, but the misuse of emergency services has raised concerns about public trust in the police department.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the serious consequences that can arise from misusing emergency services, even as a prank. False reports and 'swatting' calls are an ongoing problem that can divert resources away from real emergencies and erode public trust in law enforcement. While the specific charges the officers may face are still unclear, experts say the consequences need to be more severe to deter such behavior.

The details

According to the reports, Oklahoma City police officers were allegedly involved in an 'April Fools' prank that led dispatchers to believe a fleeing driver had thrown a baby out of a car window and run over a person. Dispatchers were tracking an officer who appeared to be in the middle of a pursuit, receiving updates through the department's messaging system. At one point, dispatchers were told the officer had reported that a baby had been thrown out the window during the alleged pursuit, and then that the officer had run over a transient. Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Oklahoma City firefighters were alerted and responded to the scene, only to later learn it was all a prank. The officers involved are now on administrative leave while the investigation continues.

  • On Wednesday, April 5, 2026 around 9:30 p.m., the incident unfolded.

The players

Oklahoma City Police Department

The law enforcement agency whose officers were involved in the April Fools' prank that led to a false emergency response.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that was alerted and responded to the scene, believing there was an active pursuit and emergency situation.

Oklahoma City Fire Department

The fire department that was dispatched to the scene in response to the reports of a person being run over.

Noble McIntyre

An attorney with McIntyre Law who commented on the legal implications of the officers' actions, noting that misuse of 911 is a misdemeanor in Oklahoma.

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What they’re saying

“It's the trust in the department, and to know if I'm at home and something happens to one of my kids or my spouse, if I pick up 911 and call them, they're going to respond timely.”

— Noble McIntyre, Attorney, McIntyre Law

“I think part of the problem is that the consequence for that is not severe enough in this case under Oklahoma law. But when have you ever heard anybody actually get 90 days in jail and a $500 fine? Nothing actually ever happens. Until we start having severe consequences for some of this behavior, you're going to continue to see the same problem over and over.”

— Noble McIntyre, Attorney, McIntyre Law

What’s next

The Oklahoma City Police Department is continuing its investigation into the officers involved in the April Fools' prank, and it remains to be seen if any criminal charges will be filed.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the serious consequences that can arise from misusing emergency services, even as a prank. False reports and 'swatting' calls can divert critical resources away from real emergencies and severely undermine public trust in law enforcement. Experts say stronger legal consequences are needed to deter such behavior and restore confidence in the police department's ability to respond effectively to genuine crises.