DENHAM SPRINGS - A Department of Public Safety police officer was fired and charged with falsely reporting they were fired upon by a fleeing suspect in a police pursuit this week.

State Police revealed the new information Wednesday and identified the officer as Chandler LeGrange.

LeGrange, authorities said, reported being fired upon by a motorcyclist on Juban Road south of Denham Springs late Monday.  The report resulted in a huge emergency response and widespread search for the gunman.

Authorities released a description of a suspect and searched much of the evening for a suspect. 

State Police revealed Wednesday, the report was false. 

"...[There were] several inconsistencies ... regarding the sequence of events as reported by LeGrange.  Upon further investigation and questioning, detectives determined the reported pursuit and shooting were fabricated," a State Police spokesperson said in a prepared statement. 

LeGrange was charged with malfeasance in office and filing false public records. 

LeGrange was a probationary employee with the Department of Public Safety Police and immediately terminated, authorities said.