PALMDALE, Calif. – A has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a deputy near the sheriff’s department’s Palmdale station over the weekend, authorities said Monday.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna identified the suspect as 29-year-old Kevin Salazar of Palmdale, during a press conference held in front of the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station.
“We don’t know yet, but we intend to find out,” Luna says, referring to the suspect’s motivation. He said Clinkunbroomer was “murdered, ambushed by a coward.”
Shortly before 5:00 a.m. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies showed up in force to a home in the 37700 block of Barrinson Street in Palmdale. The SWAT team was heard giving verbal commands for the suspect to surrender.
Luna praised the patience shown by deputies Monday morning during a standoff that led to the arrest of a suspect in the killing of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer. Luna says the deputies “took the time to try to deescalate this and take this individual peacefully into custody, when they knew our deputy was not afforded the same opportunity.”
Luna indicated Clinkunbroomer’s partners aided in the suspects arrest.
Videographers on the scene of the arrest noted a vehicle matching the description in news bulletins was located at the home which was confirmed by Luna.
“I am extremely confident we have the right person in custody,” said Luna. He also praised the public for conking forward with information that led to the suspects arrest.
Ryan Clinkunbroomer, a third-generation Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, was shot while sitting in his patrol car and “found in medical distress” at about 6 p.m. Saturday. A good Samaritan stopped to render aid and the wounded deputy was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center in grave condition.
Shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday, the department announced Clinkunbroomer had died.
According to media reports, Clinkunbroomer was stopped in a patrol car at a red light when he was shot. He was found in front of the station at Sierra Highway and East Avenue Q with a gunshot wound to the head.
Anyone who witnessed anything related to the shooting, especially in the area of Sierra Highway at around 6 p.m. Saturday, was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
City News Service contributed to this report.
