By Sergeant Rod Grassmann, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - At 10:07 p.m. on January 18, 2021, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Deputies saw an occupied vehicle in a parking lot near Arden Way and Avondale Avenue that matched the description of a vehicle involved in a burglary series.  Deputies initiated contact with the single occupant of the vehicle and were able to identify the subject as being on active parole.  The subject became uncooperative and fled in his vehicle when deputies attempted to search the vehicle.  A short pursuit ensued that terminated inside of the Cal Expo Complex located at 1600 Exposition Boulevard.  The suspect vehicle became disabled after striking a curb and came to rest near a chain-link fence.  Multiple patrol units gathered at the termination point to assist the initial deputies.  Deputies gave several commands for the suspect to exit his vehicle and he refused.  Deputies deployed less-lethal “bean bag” rounds into the suspect vehicle’s back window in an attempt to see inside.  A K-9 handler deployed his K-9 into the back window of the vehicle at which time several shots were fired from within the vehicle.  Two deputies and the canine were struck by the suspect’s gunfire.  Multiple deputies returned fire.

The wounded officers were transported by deputies in patrol units to an area hospital.  Deputy Adam Gibson, a 31-year-old, 6 year veteran of the department, was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  A second deputy was stabilized and transported to a trauma center for further treatment.  K-9 Riley also died at the scene.  K-9 Riley was 5 years old and had been in-service with our office for 3 years.  Fire arrived and pronounced the sole occupant of the suspect vehicle deceased at the scene.

Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and processing evidence.  This investigation is still in its early stages and information is still developing.  No further information is available at this time.

Deputy Gibson leaves behind his wife Rachel Gibson, 9-month-old child, his parents Doug and Sandee Gibson and several siblings.  Deputy Gibson served in the United States Marine Corps and did two tours in Afghanistan.  Since joining the department in 2014 he has worked in corrections, patrol and most recently a canine handler.  Deputy Gibson received the Sheriff’s Office Bronze Star for Bravery and a Major Incident Ribbon in 2018.

The wounded deputy is 43 years old, a 13 year veteran of the department and remains hospitalized in serious, but stable condition.

The Officer-Involved Shooting investigation will be conducted by the Sheriff’s Professional Standards Division, which is standard practice for any officer-involved shooting.  The Sacramento Police Department Homicide Division will investigate the remainder of the incident.  Independent review of the officer-involved shooting will be conducted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and the Inspector General.

Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).