Topline:
A Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy was shot and killed Saturday while on duty in his patrol car near the Palmdale Sheriff Station.
What happened: A member of the public found Ryan Clinkunbroomer, 30, unconscious in his vehicle and alerted sheriff's personnel around 6 p.m. Saturday night. He was later pronounced dead from a gunshot wound at the Antelope Valley Medical Center.
What's next: The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced early Monday that a person of interest has been detained in relation to the shooting death of Deputy Clinkunbroomer. A news conference with Sheriff Robert Luna will be held later in the morning.
A person believed to have shot and killed Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer Saturday evening in Palmdale has been arrested, authorities said Monday.
Clickunbroomer was found shot in his patrol car on Sierra Highway near Avenue Q in Palmdale. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday that 29-year-old Kevin Cataneo Salazar was taken into custody at his residence in Palmdale after a stand off that lasted several hours. Luna said investigators also recovered firearms and a vehicle of interest at the home.
“Community members came forward with information, which led homicide detectives to identify the suspect and the vehicle used in the murder of Deputy Clinkunbroomer,” Luna said. He added that he has spoken to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, who will “aggressively pursue” the case.
Investigators have not determined a motive, but Luna said he believes Clickunbroomer was targeted.
About Clickunbroomer
Clickunbroomer came from a law enforcement family and was the third generation to serve the department. He'd been stationed in Palmdale since July 2019 and had served as a field training officer for 18 months.
During Monday's news conference, Luna read a statement on behalf of Clickunbroomer's family:
“Our son Ryan was a dedicated, hard working deputy sheriff who enjoyed working here at the Palmdale Station. He was proud to work alongside his partners that he considered brothers and sisters as he sacrificed daily to better the community that he served. Ryan made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so. Ryan was recently engaged to the love of his life. As our first born son, Ryan will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the sheriff's department as a whole. Please keep Ryan's family, friends, and colleagues in your prayers, and respect everyone's privacy during our time of mourning.”
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