LOS ANGELES, CA — A rookie Los Angeles sheriff’s deputy who said he was shot twice by a sniper in Lancaster earlier this week, prompting a large law enforcement response that shut down traffic and public transport in the area, fabricated the entire incident, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said late Saturday.

The deputy, 21-year-old Angel Reinosa, reported being shot at by a sniper who was on the upper floor of an apartment complex north of the sheriff’s Lancaster station, officials said. Reinosa was standing near the heliport in the station parking lot when he reported being shot.

Reinosa was rescued and rushed to the hospital to be treated for a grazing gunshot wound, officials said. In the Saturday night press conference, Kent Wegener of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department detailed the response and effort that officials undertook after Reinosa reported being shot.

Hundreds of law enforcement officials responded to answer the call. Tactical teams cleared the surrounding area, including an entire apartment complex. Wegener said a large perimeter was established and movement in the area was completely restricted. Traffic was diverted in the area, Metrolink was shut down and residents were displaced.

“No gunman was located that night,” said Wegener.

Officials then began their investigation into the incident and interviewed several witnesses, including Reinosa himself. Reinosa had two holes in his uniform, which he said coincided with injury caused by the sniper’s bullets, Wegener said.

On Saturday, during a follow-up interview with Reinosa, detectives saw no visible injury to his shoulder, Wegener said. Reinosa also admitted to deputies that he was not shot at from the apartment complex area and said he made the two holes in his uniform with a knife, Wegener said.

“There was no sniper, no shots fired and no gunshot injuries sustained to his shoulder, completely fabricated,” Wegener said.

Reinosa did not explain his motivation, according to Wegener.

The investigation’s findings will go to the District Attorney’s office when it is complete.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva issued the following statement: