Sacramento Deputy Fired After Shoving 71-Year-Old Woman from Jail

A Sacramento County sheriff's deputy, identified as Matthew Gurich, was fired after surveillance footage showed him shoving 71-year-old Aurinia Thimmhardy to the ground outside the county jail during her release, resulting in a broken femur that required surgery and a lengthy hospital stay. The incident, which occurred in October, was made public in February and has drawn criticism from the community and civil rights advocates, who note that Thimmhardy, who had documented mental health issues, was asking questions about her release paperwork when tensions escalated. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that Gurich’s actions do not reflect the department’s values and has referred the case to the District Attorney's Office to determine if criminal charges will be filed. Thimmhardy's family, particularly her son, has spoken out about the lasting impact of the injury and called for systemic changes to prevent similar incidents. The case has prompted renewed scrutiny of law enforcement practices regarding the treatment of vulnerable individuals, especially those with mental health concerns. The sheriff’s office stated it is committed to accountability and public trust, highlighting the importance of transparency in such investigations.