'Bewildering': CA Sheriff's Deputy Accused Of Faking Own Ambush

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Last January, a Santa Clara County sheriff's deputy received high praise for his bravery after he survived a drive-by shooting incident. On Friday, he was arrested on suspicion of staging a "shocking ambush," officials said.

Sukhdeep Gil, 27, told investigators last year that he was hit by gunfire shot from a passing car as he stood on a dark rural road near Morgan Hill. Gil told the first officer on scene that he had pulled over to urinate during his patrol, according to a Friday release from Santa Clara County's Office of the District Attorney.

Around 10:30 p.m. on January 31, 2020 cried "Shots fired! Shots fired!" over an emergency broadcast to the department. Gil wasn't serious injured, but it appeared he had taken one shot — a bullet "miraculously" pierced and destroyed his body-worn camera.

The apparent ambush made Gil a local hero and launched a manhunt. But it turns out his story had quite a few holes in it, according to investigators.

During an intensive investigation, officials said, Gil's story "fell apart."

"An investigation found evidence, including ballistics, that exposed serious discrepancies in the deputy’s account," the county's statement read.

Gil, who has been with the department since 2016, was charged with felony vandalism and falsely reporting a crime, which is a misdemeanor. He was arrested on Friday after a warrant was issued. If convicted, he could be incarcerated.

“This case is bewildering and deeply disappointing,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. “Deputy Gill’s actions abused the trust of his fellow officers and diverted public safety resources away from protecting the community to investigate a made-up crime.”