Calif. sheriff’s deputy arrested for fabricating ambush

SANTA BARBARA, CA – JUNE 12: The Santa Barbara County Detention and Correctional Facility is seen on June 12, 2005 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

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UPDATED 12:40 AM PT – Sunday, January 31, 2021

A sheriff’s deputy in California is facing multiple charges after allegedly staging an ambush. On Friday, authorities arrested and charged Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Deputy Sukhdeep Gill for felony vandalism and falsely reporting a crime.

This photo provided by the Santa Clara, Calif., Sheriff’s Office shows Santa Clara County Sheriff Deputy Sukhdeep Gill, a San Francisco Bay Area sheriff’s deputy who last year alleged he had been ambushed by a gunman and saved by his body camera. Gill was arrested Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, for felony vandalism and filing a false police report, authorities said. (Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office via AP)

According to the District Attorney’s office, back in January 2019 Gill announced shots had been fired on his emergency radio, prompting a manhunt with units from multiple local departments. The deputy claimed someone in a sedan had fired at him, striking a miraculous spot, his bodycam.

Sgt. Michael Low said upon investigation, Gill’s story fell apart.

“After our year long investigation, extensive investigation, our detectives did determine that the incident was fabricated, and the facts did not add up,” Sgt. Low stated. “We are very disappointed, however these actions do not represent myself or all the other men and women who put on this uniform and go out there to truly protect and serve our community with integrity.”

Deputy Gill will remain on administrative leave until his arraignment on March 1. If convicted, he could face three years in jail.

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