Oklahoma Police Placed on Leave Over April Fools' 911 Prank

Dispatchers sent officers on pursuit of a reported baby thrown from a car, which was later revealed as a hoax.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police radio or dispatch equipment, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the gritty, investigative nature of the 911 call incident without depicting any violence, victims, or literal crime scenes.A false 911 call about a baby thrown from a car exposes the serious risks and consequences of emergency response pranks.Oklahoma City Today

The Oklahoma City Police Department has placed several officers on administrative leave after an April Fools' Day prank call sent squad cars in pursuit of a reported baby being thrown from a car, which was later determined to be false.

Why it matters

False emergency calls can waste valuable police resources and put officers and the public at risk, especially if the calls involve serious claims like a baby being thrown from a vehicle. This incident raises questions about accountability for such pranks and the need for clear protocols around responding to 911 calls.

The details

According to police, the incident occurred on the night of April 1 when a dispatcher reported that the 'city just advised that the suspect threw a baby out the window.' Several officers responded to the call, but it was later revealed to be an April Fools' prank. An internal investigation is now underway, but police have not provided details on how many officers were placed on leave or the specific accusations against them.

  • The incident occurred on the night of April 1, 2026.
  • The police department confirmed the investigation on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Valerie Littlejohn

A captain with the Oklahoma City Police Department who confirmed the internal investigation and placed officers on administrative leave.

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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. We take this situation seriously and are committed to ensuring a thorough review is conducted.”

— Valerie Littlejohn, Police Captain

“Not funny.”

— Dispatcher

What’s next

The police department's internal investigation is ongoing to determine the appropriate disciplinary actions for the officers involved in responding to the false 911 call.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the serious consequences of making false emergency calls, which can divert critical police resources and endanger public safety. It underscores the need for clear protocols and accountability measures to prevent such pranks and ensure an appropriate response to all 911 calls.