A deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department who claimed he was shot by a sniper positioned in an apartment building located across the street from the agency's Lancaster station lied about the event, the department says.
According to ABC News, 21-year-old Angel Reinosa—who is still a trainee with the agency—claimed over the radio that he was struck by gunfire as he walked in the vehicle parking lot on Wednesday, sparking a massive manhunt for a gunman who simply didn't exist.
L.A. County Homicide Captain Kent Wegener said at a press conference that Deputy Reinosa "admitted he was not shot at as he previously claimed. 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 will be fired from the department, LASD Assistant Sheriff Robin Limon said. It has yet to be determined whether he will face criminal charges.
