A sheriff’s deputy in Los Angeles County, California, admitted to investigators that he lied about being shot by a sniper while walking to his car Wednesday.
Angel Reinosa, 21, had said he was shot in the shoulder of his ballistic vest, which led to a massive manhunt that included a helicopter with police snipers.
“Reinosa admitted he was not shot at as he previously claimed,” L.A. County Homicide Capt. Kent Wegener said late on Saturday. “He also told investigators he had caused the holes in his uniform by cutting it. There was no sniper, no shots fired, and no gunshot injury sustained to his shoulder.”
Reinosa confessed to fabricating the story about being shot after several inconsistencies were found in the course of the investigation. Officials say the young sheriff’s deputy did not provide a reason for making up the shooting.
“Much of his statement was self-serving,” Wegener said. “[It] didn’t make a whole lot of sense … There were several things that were curious,” the Homicide Bureau captain also said. “There was no ballistic evidence in the parking lot at all. No bullet was recovered … There were many things that didn’t add up.”
A criminal investigation into the matter has also been launched and Reinosa has been let go from the department, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Assistant Sheriff Robin Limon, who also said the department was “incredibly disappointed” in Reinosa’s behavior.
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