Date of Birth: 4/20/1989
End Of Watch: 1/18/2021

At 10:07 PM on January 18, 2021, Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies observed a vehicle in a parking lot, which matched the description of a vehicle involved in a series of thefts. 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 Sacramento County Sheriff’s K9, Deputy Adam Gibson. 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.

Deputies gave several commands for the suspect to exit the vehicle but he refused.  A sheriff’s canine was deployed into the vehicle and engaged the suspect.  The suspect fired a handgun at the deputies, striking two of them and the canine as they began taking him into custody.  Deputies returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. 

Deputy Adam Gibson was struck during the gun battle and 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. Deputy Gibson’s K9, Riley, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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 K9 handler for the Central Patrol Division.

He is survived by his wife and young daughter.