Overview

• Jefferson County deputies arrested 26-year-old seasonal ranger Callum Heskett after determining his stabbing report was fabricated and say they believe he stabbed himself.
• He faces two felony counts—attempting to influence a public servant and tampering with evidence—plus charges of false reporting, reckless endangerment, obstructing government operations and second-degree official misconduct, with bond set at $10,000.
• Heskett remains hospitalized and will be transferred to the Jefferson County jail upon release as forensic investigators continue reviewing evidence, including his phone.
• His radio call around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday triggered a multi-agency search with SWAT, drones and state aviation, a Lookout Alert to 8,600 residents, and lockdowns at several schools.
• Deputies found him bleeding at Staunton State Park and he was airlifted for treatment, and two people detained during the search were later interviewed and cleared.