Oklahoma Police Officers Suspended Over 'April Fools' Prank

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

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:51pm

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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, but was actually just sending updates through the department's messaging system. At one point, dispatchers relayed that the officer had reported a baby being thrown from the vehicle and a person being run over, prompting a response from other law enforcement agencies. The officers eventually revealed it was an April Fools' joke, but the incident has raised concerns about the misuse of emergency services.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the serious consequences that can arise from false reports to emergency dispatchers, which can divert critical resources and erode public trust in law enforcement. While the officers involved may have intended it as a prank, making false claims about a baby being thrown from a car and a person being run over is a criminal offense in Oklahoma that can carry fines and jail time.

The details

According to the report, Oklahoma City police officers were tracked by dispatchers on Wednesday night in what appeared to be a pursuit, but the officers were actually just sending updates through the department's messaging system. At one point, dispatchers relayed that the officer had reported a baby being thrown from the vehicle and a person being run over, prompting a response from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Oklahoma City Fire Department. The officers eventually revealed it was an April Fools' joke, but they have now been placed on administrative leave while the incident is investigated.

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

The players

Oklahoma City Police Department

The police department whose officers were involved in the April Fools' prank that led to false reports being sent to dispatchers.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to the reported pursuit and incident.

Oklahoma City Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the reported incident of a person being struck by a vehicle.

Noble McIntyre

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

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What they’re saying

“It's bigger than that. 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 to investigate the incident and determine what disciplinary actions, if any, will be taken against the officers involved in the April Fools' prank.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the serious risks and consequences of misusing emergency services, even in the context of a prank. It highlights the need for stronger legal penalties and a greater emphasis on the importance of public trust in law enforcement to ensure dispatchers can effectively respond to genuine emergencies.