Oklahoma City Police Officers Placed on Leave After April Fools' Prank Pursuit

Several Oklahoma City Police Department officers have been placed on administrative leave in connection with a hoax emergency call on April 1 that falsely reported a baby being thrown from a vehicle, authorities confirmed this week.

The incident began the night of April Fools’ Day, when dispatchers received a call claiming that a suspect had thrown a baby out of a car window during a pursuit. According to police radio audio reported by local television stations, officers responded urgently, with one pursuing officer unable to communicate by radio and instead sending updates via messages. During the pursuit, dispatchers repeated the false details to responding units before later announcing, "It was an April Fools’ prank." One dispatcher added, "Not funny.”

On Monday, Oklahoma City Police Capt. Valerie Littlejohn confirmed that an internal investigation is underway, but declined to specify how many officers were placed on leave or provide further details about the accusations. "We take this situation seriously and are committed to ensuring a thorough review is conducted," Littlejohn said in a statement.

Oklahoma law classifies it as a misdemeanor to intentionally report false information that triggers the dispatch of emergency services, punishable by fines of up to $500 and the recovery of emergency response costs.

As of Monday, the internal investigation continues, and no further information regarding disciplinary actions or possible criminal charges has been released.