Suspect nabbed for ambush killing of L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy.
A Suspect Arrested in Connection to Fatal Shooting of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy
A suspect has been arrested on Monday in connection to the fatal shooting of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer over the weekend. Kevin Salazar, 29, was detained in the morning following an hours-long standoff at the suspect’s residence in Palmdale, California, Sheriff Robert Luna announced in a press conference.
Confident in the Arrest
“We are extremely confident we have the right person in custody,” Luna said, adding that he did not believe there were any other suspects. However, the investigation is ongoing, and a motive for the shooting is not yet known.
The Ambush
Authorities said that Deputy Clinkunbroomer, 30, was “ambushed” on Saturday evening while driving in his cruiser near the Palmdale sheriff’s station. He was discovered unconscious in his vehicle by a ”Good Samaritan” who promptly contacted the Palmdale station personnel. Despite efforts to treat his gunshot wound, Deputy Clinkunbroomer ultimately succumbed to his injuries at Antelope Valley Medical Center, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
#BREAKING: Kevin Salazar, 29, surrendered after a standoff at his home in Palmdale this morning, Sheriff Luna said. https://t.co/1rzCMuFApg pic.twitter.com/XLeCreQV7J
— KTLA (@KTLA) September 18, 2023
Standoff and Arrest
Sheriff Luna praised the “courageous” members of the community who helped track down the suspect. The search lasted approximately 36 hours and involved a lookout for a dark grey 2006-2012 Toyota Corolla. A reward of $250,000 was offered for information leading to the arrest.
The standoff began when deputies surrounded the suspect’s home and called for people to exit. While family members complied, Salazar remained inside. After hours of negotiation and the deployment of chemical agents, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody “peacefully,” according to Luna.
Investigation and Prosecution
During the investigation, multiple firearms and the vehicle of interest were discovered. The evidence will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and Sheriff Luna expects prosecutors to ”aggressively pursue” the case.
🔹 Blessed Are The Peacemakers 🔹
Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California
End of Watch: Saturday, September 16, 2023#EnoughIsEnough #OfficerDown #EOW #ThinBlueLine pic.twitter.com/wRZvJbPn7C
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) September 18, 2023
A Tragic Loss
Deputy Clinkunbroomer, an eight-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department, leaves behind loved ones. In a statement, Sheriff Luna expressed the devastating impact of the loss, saying, “Ryan is not coming home, and Ryan wasn’t only a Deputy Sheriff for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, but he was a son, grandson, and newly engaged. He had so much ahead of him.”