LASD rookie deputy who fabricated sniper shooting has been fired, officials announce

The 21-year-old deputy who falsely reported a sniper shooting in Lancaster has been fired, officials announced Wednesday. 

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva was uncertain as to why former Deputy Angel Reinosa would make the 'fabricated' claim. 

When Villanueva went to visit Reinosa in the hospital after the alleged shooting, he admitted the circumstances "seemed odd" and that Reinosa's apparent contusion on his shoulder did not appear to a bullet wound. 

Investigators who met with Reinosa over the weekend saw "no visible injury to Reinosa's shoulder." 

A manhunt for a sniper was launched on Aug. 21 after Reinosa reported he was shot after walking to his personal car at the Lancaster Sheriff's station. A large law enforcement presence, includind the FBI, responded to an apartment complex that serves as a mental health center around the area of Jackman Street and Sierra Highway.

RELATED: Manhunt continues for sniper who wounded deputy in Lancaster

Two people were detained for questioning but were not taken into custody as they were not considered suspects. 

The department later announced Reinosa confessed his claim was entirely false after suspicions were raised during his interrogation. 

"There was no sniper, no shots fired and no gunshot injury sustained to his shoulder. "(It was) completely fabricated.," sheriff's Capt. Ken Wegener said. 

Reinosa admitted he caused holes in his uniform by cutting it with a knife, LASD said. 

RELATED: Los Angeles County deputy "fabricated'' claim that he was shot

Villanueva did not disclose further details about the investigation.

Reinosa had been with the force for less than a year and was in a probationary period. He faces the possibility of misdemeanor or even felony charges from the District Attorney's office for making a false crime report. 

The investigation is ongoing. 

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 FOX 11’s Phil Shuman contributed to this report