An internal sheriff’s investigation into the shooting of a Pima County Jail Corrections sergeant who resigned Monday is being closed, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.
Closure of the case follows Eric Abbott’s resignation after allegations that he lied about how he was wounded April 7.
Sheriff’s investigators will “tie up loose ends, but it’s no longer an active investigation” because of Abbott’s resignation, spokeswoman Deputy Dawn Barkman said.
Tucson police closed their investigation into the shooting last week, turning it over to sheriff’s Internal Affairs unit.
Abbott told police he had been on duty April 7 outside the minimum security Mission Facility, 1801 S. Mission Road, when he felt a sharp pain in his leg and realized he had been shot, said police spokesman Officer Charles Rydzak.
Police were investigating as the jail, operated by the Sheriff’s Department, is within Tucson Police Department’s jurisdiction.
Police closed the investigation into Abbott’s shooting after the sergeant admitted lying about aspects of the shooting, Pima County Sheriff Clarence W. Dupnik said Thursday. Dupnik would not elaborate on what Abbott told police.
Abbott changed his story when confronted with physical evidence that conflicted with his account of the shooting, Dupnik said.
Abbott, 51, was employed by the county for 22 years and as of last year earned roughly $58,000 annually.