Sacramento Sheriff K9 Association

At 10:07 p.m. on January 18, 2021, Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies observed a vehicle in a parking lot that matched the description of a vehicle involved in a theft series. Deputies initiated contact with the single occupant of the vehicle who became uncooperative and fled in his vehicle. A pursuit ensued with multiple officers joining, including Sheriff’s Canine Detail Deputy Adam Gibson, in an attempt to stop the suspect. The pursuit entered the Cal Expo Complex and the suspect’s vehicle became disabled after driving over a concrete parking block and hitting a fence.

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Deputies gave several commands for the suspect to exit the vehicle but he refused.  Deputy Adam Gibson covered a second canine handler, Deputy Jesse Brucker, who was on scene with K-9 Riley. K-9 Riley was deployed into the vehicle and he engaged the suspect. The suspect fired a handgun at deputies, striking both Deputy Adam Gibson and Deputy Jesse Brucker as well as K-9 Riley as they began to take him into custody. Deputies returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.

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Deputy Adam Gibson was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The second deputy was stabilized and transported to a trauma center for further treatment. Sheriff’s K-9 Riley was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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Deputy Adam Gibson served in the United States Marine Corps and did two tours in Afghanistan, where he was highly decorated for his service to his country. Deputy Gibson was a 6-year veteran of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned as a K-9 handler for the Central Patrol Division. Deputy Adam Gibson leaves behind a wife and daughter.