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.
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.”
Words cannot describe my immense sorrow for the tragic loss of a brave @LASDHQ deputy’s life tonight. My heart breaks for his family, his fiancé, his fellow officers & the community at large. There are a lot of unanswered questions – including who committed this heinous and… pic.twitter.com/QaYlw1QjoV
— Supervisor Kathryn Barger (@kathrynbarger) September 17, 2023
There are no adequate words to express my deep sadness over the senseless tragedy the family, friends and partners of Deputy Clinkunbroomer suffered last night. We stand in solidarity with our partners of the @LASDHQ as they mourn this horrific loss. https://t.co/4rCsKglZfF
— OC Sheriff Don Barnes (@OCSheriffBarnes) September 17, 2023
— Scott Wilk (@ScottWilkCA) September 17, 2023
An @LASDHQ Deputy was brutally killed in a horrific ambush this evening. Our hearts ache for the fallen deputy's loved ones and colleagues.
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) September 17, 2023
We stand united with LASD, grieving the loss of a dedicated life committed to safeguarding Los Angeles County. pic.twitter.com/NHb7iSoWke
