‘It’s an outrage’: L.A. deputy ambushed, shot in head, and killed outside Palmdale station
R.I.P. Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer our prayers are with you and your family! Thanks for proudly serving the Los Angeles Commutiy til the end! God Bless You!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxSQaCSuxhA/
A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was shot in the head while sitting in his patrol vehicle Saturday night, according to law enforcement sources.
The deputy was found “in medical distress” in front of the Palmdale station around 6 p.m., the Sheriff’s Department said in a social media post. Afterward, he was rushed to a Lancaster hospital in critical condition.
The shooting is being treated as a crime, a department official said.
Union leader Derek Hsieh — executive director of the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs — called the shooting an “ambush” and said it has sparked anger and sadness in the law enforcement community.
“It’s an outrage,” he said. “An ambush is a targeted attack against law enforcement and it sends a really clear message.”
He confirmed that the shot deputy is represented by the union and has multiple family members in law enforcement. Late Saturday night, he said that others in law enforcement had already begun reaching out in solidarity.
“I have received calls of support from other law enforcement agencies and an elected official who offered to use her own personal money if an award needs to be offered,” Hsieh said.
Supervisor Janice Hahn called the shooting “senseless and horrific” and said she had reached out to Sheriff Robert Luna.
“Tonight I’m praying for him, his friends, fellow deputies at @PalmdaleSheriff, and especially his loved ones,” she wrote Saturday night in a post on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.
Los Angeles police officer shot, hospitalized in suspected ‘ambush attack’
The suspected ambush attack happened outside the California sheriff’s station
A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy was shot and hospitalized Saturday evening in a suspected ‘ambush attack,’ Fox News Digital has learned.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s office said that reports of the shooting came in on Saturday, September 16 at approximately 6 p.m. PST. Authorities said that suspected ambush and shooting happened outside the Palmdale Sheriff’s station in Palmdale, California.
Authorities say that the suspected ambush occurred outside of Palmdale Sheriffs Station in California on Saturday, September 16. (Palmdale Sheriffs Station)
The LASD posted an update to X, saying that the deputy was found “in medical distress” outside the station and taken to a local hospital. source
LASD deputy shot and sadly killed by a coward: Video appears to show moments before shooting
PALMDALE, Calif. – A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy is in the hospital in critical condition after he was shot in the head in his patrol car outside the station in Palmdale Saturday.
It happened around 6 p.m. Saturday, just outside the Palmdale Sheriff’s station. According to reports, a black car approached the deputy’s patrol car, before firing into the cruiser, hitting the deputy. Surveillance video from the scene shows the black car pull up alongside the patrol car. No shots are seen, but the black car is seen speeding away while the deputy’s cruiser rolls slightly forward before coming to a stop.
The LASD reported on X, formerly Twitter, that the deputy was found in front of the station “in medical distress” around 6 p.m.
The deputy was initially transported to the hospital in his cruiser, but an ambulance caught up with them on the way. The deputy was then put in an ambulance and another deputy brought the cruiser to Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster where the deputy was reportedly in critical condition Saturday night. source
Tragic Ambush: LASD Deputy Shot and Killed in Palmdale
PALMDALE, California (LAI) – In a horrifying act of violence, an LASD Palmdale Deputy was ambushed and fatally shot in the head while sitting in his patrol car near the Palmdale Sheriff Station. The deputy, who had dedicated his life to protecting the community, tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The devastating incident occurred in the evening, sending shockwaves through the law enforcement community and the Palmdale community as a whole. The brazen attack left the deputy with critical injuries that proved fatal despite the heroic efforts of emergency responders.
Multiple sources, including Steve Gregory on Twitter and Bill Melugin of FOX NEWS, have reported this heartbreaking news, further confirming the tragedy that has befallen the community. The initial reports indicate that the deputy was deliberately targeted in a deliberate and senseless act of violence.
Bill Melugin at FOX NEWS provided crucial commentary on the security footage of the ambush, revealing that a black car pulled up alongside the LASD deputy’s vehicle at a red light. While the shots fired are not visible in the video, the black vehicle swiftly departs the scene, leaving the deputy’s vehicle slowly rolling forward before coming to a stop.
As the news of the deputy’s passing spread, it left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. The fallen deputy’s unwavering commitment to public safety and his ultimate sacrifice will be remembered and honored.
Law enforcement agencies have launched an extensive manhunt to locate the suspect or suspects responsible for this heinous crime. The circumstances surrounding the ambush are under intense investigation, and authorities are determined to bring those responsible to justice.
The fallen deputy’s family, friends, and colleagues are in mourning, grappling with the loss of a beloved law enforcement officer who dedicated his life to serving the community.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily while protecting the safety and well-being of their communities. The entire community joins in mourning the loss of a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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30-year-old LA County sheriff’s deputy shot, killed in Palmdale ambush; suspect outstanding
PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) — A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot while in his patrol vehicle in what authorities described as an ambush in Palmdale. The shooter remained on the loose Sunday.
Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, a 30-year-old field training officer, was shot Saturday just outside the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station at the corner of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q.
Sheriff Robert Luna said a good Samaritan found the deputy unconscious inside the vehicle around 6 p.m.
Clinkunbroomer was quickly rushed to the Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster where he later died.
Overnight, a procession from the hospital briefly shut down local freeways as deputies escorted his remains to the L.A. County coroner.
Luna said Clinkunbroomer’s death is being investigated as a murder and is seeking the public’s help.
“We really need your help,” said Luna. “We need to get this guy off the street, guy or guys. He’s a public safety threat. He ambushed and killed, murdered, one of our deputies. We need your help to get him off the street.”
Though a description of the suspect or suspects wasn’t immediately available, Luna said he believes the shooting was captured on video.
“Homicide investigators are aware of a video that is circulating and are analyzing that video to determine if it is related to the murder of our deputy,” said Luna.
Who was Dep. Ryan Clinkunbroomer?
According to Luna, Clinkunbroomer was an eight-year veteran of the department and had been with the Palmdale station since July 2018.
He had been working as a field training officer for the past year and a half.
“Not just anybody becomes a field training officer, it’s usually the best of the best,” said Luna.
Clinkunbroomer apparently came from a law enforcement family. Luna said his grandfather and father both had worked for the L.A. sheriff’s department.
“Service was running through his veins … so unfair,” said Luna. “He embodied the values of bravery, selflessness and an absolute commitment to justice.”
Luna also said Clinkunbroomer had just celebrated his engagement about four days before he was killed.
“He was just starting his life,” said Luna.
Manhunt now underway
Luna said numerous local, state and federal law enforcement agencies have offered their assistance in the investigation. However, he’s pushing the public to come forward, especially those people who may have been in the area at the time of the shooting.
“Somebody knows something,” said Luna.
When asked by a reporter if the shooting may have been a targeted attack, Luna noted the investigation is still in its early stages but said “nothing is off the table.”
“I think it was a targeted act, based on what we know now, but we’re still in the extremely early stages of this investigation,” he said.
Palmdale Mayor Laura Bettencourt also spoke to reporters and asked anyone with information to come forward. source
‘It’s an outrage’: L.A. County sheriff’s deputy killed in ambush outside Palmdale station
A Los Angeles County sheriff‘s deputy was ambushed and killed Saturday night, shot in the head by an unidentified attacker while sitting in his patrol cruiser stopped on the street in front of the Palmdale station.
Sheriff Robert Luna called it a “targeted act” and speculated that Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer may have been killed because he worked in law enforcement.
“Somebody decided to shoot and murder him, I’m assuming, at this point, because he was in uniform,” Luna said at the late-night news conference. He said the shooting occurred shortly after the deputy left the sheriff’s station.
Security video shared with The Times shows a black car pulling up behind the deputy’s cruiser and pausing. Seconds later, the black car pulls up a little farther, stops at the driver’s side of the cruiser and pauses again.
Then, the black car speeds off. The deputy’s vehicle drifts forward a foot or two and stops moving.
It’s not clear what circumstances led to the shooting, and authorities have not released any information about potential suspects.
A passerby found Clinkunbroomer unconscious in his vehicle at the intersection of Avenue Q and Sierra Highway around 6 p.m., officials said. The deputy was rushed to a Lancaster hospital in critical condition.
“Despite the medical staff’s best efforts to save our deputy’s life, regrettably he succumbed to his injuries,” Luna said.
Though Luna confirmed the incident may have been captured on surveillance video, he said that investigators are still analyzing the footage and are not releasing it at this time.
Clinkunbroomer, 30, joined the department eight years ago and came from a family of law enforcement.
“He’s third-generation,” Luna said. “His father served with us. His grandfather served with us. Service was running through his veins.”
He transferred to the Palmdale station in July 2018 and worked as a field training officer for 1½ years — a position that Luna said is usually reserved for the “best of the best.”
Four days before his death, the deputy had gotten engaged to be married, Luna said.
“Our hearts absolutely go out to his family,” he added.
Palmdale Mayor Laura Bettencourt called him a “hero” and vowed that the killer would be caught.
“The person that did that is a coward and they will be caught,” she said at the news conference.
Derek Hsieh, executive director of the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs union, said the ambush has sparked anger and sadness in the law enforcement community.
“It’s an outrage,” he told The Times. “An ambush is a targeted attack against law enforcement and it sends a really clear message.”
Late Saturday night, he said that others in law enforcement had begun reaching out in solidarity.
“I have received calls of support from other law enforcement agencies and an elected official who offered to use her own personal money if an award needs to be offered,” Hsieh said.
Another Sheriff’s Department union — the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association — put out a statement on social media late Saturay.
“The heinous and cowardly murder of this young deputy is overwhelmingly tragic,” union president Nancy Escobedo wrote. “Our thoughts immediately turn to his family as we express our heartfelt condolences for their unimaginable loss.”
L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn called the shooting “senseless and horrific.”
“Tonight I’m praying for him, his friends, fellow deputies at @PalmdaleSheriff, and especially his loved ones,” she wrote Saturday night in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger in a statement mourned the loss and called for justice.
“There are a lot of unanswered questions — including who committed this heinous and brazen attack and why,” she said. “Whoever is responsible must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and brought to swift justice.”
Luna stressed that authorities are asking for the public’s help in finding the shooter and encouraged witnesses to call homicide investigators at (323) 890-5500.
“We’re gonna catch the person who did this,” he said. “Somebody saw something. Somebody knows something.”
The Palmdale station put out its own tribute.
“Words cannot express the shock, sadness and anger over this senseless loss of an exemplary deputy and an even better human being. Deputy Clinkunbroomer strived for excellence in everything he did. He was very thorough in his investigations, genuinely cared for the community he served, and he was always willing to help out his partners any time they needed it. We are numb with grief and are grasping to come to terms with the fact that he has left a very big void within our station family,” the statement read.
“Ryan, we are so very sorry for your family and your fiance. Rest assured, we will do our very best to take care of them in your absence and make sure they know that they are ALWAYS a part of our family.”
Condolences and statements of solidarity poured in from other law enforcement agencies and organizations around the area Saturday night and into Sunday morning.
“Rest easy,” wrote the Ventura County Sheriff’s Foundation. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reiterated calls for help finding the person responsible for “this senseless act of violence.” The California Highway Patrol in Antelope Valley also offered condolences. “Our hearts and prayers are with you,” the agency wrote on Facebook. “Rest in Peace brother.”
Saturday’s shooting comes three years after two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies were severely wounded when they were shot several times ambush-style while sitting in their parked patrol car in Compton. The suspect, who was caught on surveillance video, was later arrested.
In 2016, a veteran sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed by a burglary suspect in neighboring Lancaster. The suspect was arrested shortly afterward. source
The ambush death of a third-generation Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy, shot in his patrol car in front of the department’s Palmdale station — is drawing remorse and outrage while a manhunt is underway for the killer.
“Words cannot describe my immense sorrow for the tragic loss of a brave deputy’s life tonight,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement late Saturday after learning 30-year-old Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer had died after being shot earlier in the day.
“My heart breaks for his family, his fellow officers, and the community at large. There are a lot of unanswered questions — including who committed this heinous and brazen attack and why. Whoever is responsible must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and brought to swift justice.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced Clinkunbroomer’s death during a news conference at the City of Hope Antelope Valley, saying his father and grandfather had also been deputies and that the veteran deputy had become engaged just four days earlier.
“He didn’t deserve this,” Luna said “This is so unfair. We’re hurting because we lost somebody. It hurts bad. It sucks, just to put it bluntly. Our hearts absolutely go out to his family.”
Luna struggled to hold back his emotions while discussing what he described as a targeted ambush killing.
“He was just driving down the street,” Luna said. “And for no apparent reason — and we’re still looking into the specific reasons —somebody decided to shoot and murder him, I’m assuming at this point, because he was in uniform. That, to me, is sickening. That’s not who this community is and that’s why we stand up here collectively together really asking our community for your assistance as we move forward.”
Clinkunbroomer was “found in medical distress” in front of the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station at about 6 p.m. Saturday when a Good Samaritan stopped to render aid.
“Thank god for this Good Samaritan,” Luna said, “somebody (who) chose not to just drive by.”
The wounded deputy was transported to Antelope Valley Medical Center in grave condition.
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.
Video from the scene showed a vehicle drive up behind the patrol car, then pull alongside momentarily before speeding away.
It was unclear whether this was the suspect, the Good Samaritan or someone else.
Shortly after 11 p.m., the department announced Clinkunbroomer had died.
“I want to let to our community know Deputy Clinkunbroomer left his family tonight to serve our community,” Luna said. “He laid everything on the line to serve us. He wore a uniform just like other @LASDHQ deputies wear, driving in a police car, and he was senselessly murdered tonight.
“From everything I know about Ryan, people absolutely loved and adored him. He wasn’t just one of our Deputy Sheriffs. He was a third-generation deputy. His father and grandfather served with us. Service was running through his veins. He embodied the values of bravery, selflessness and was committed to justice. Our deputy was a devoted family member and a cherished community member. He was cowardly shot while working tirelessly to serve our community this evening.
“Our hearts go out to his family. We cannot fully understand their pain, but we will stand with them in solidarity and support them during this difficult time. They deserve unwavering compassion, and we will do everything in our power to provide them with assistance and care.”
Luna said Clinkunbroomer was an eight-year veteran of the department and had been with the Palmdale station since July 2018. He served as a field training officer, which Luna said is a role reserved for only “the best of the best.”
Last week, Clinkunbroomer’s mother, Kim Etzel Clinkunbroomer, posted several photos of her son and his fiancé on Instagram with the message: “We are so excited to add to our family. Congrats to our son Ryan and his fiancé Brittany.”
During an overnight procession, law enforcement officers escorted Clinkunbroomer’s body to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office.
He is believed to be the first Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy to die in the line of duty since Oct. 5, 2016 when 29-year department veteran Sgt. Steve Owen, 53, of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station was shot and killed while investigating a reported break-in.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn was among those posting on social media in the hours after Clinkunbroomer’s shooting and death.
“The shooting of a @LASDHQ deputy in his patrol car in Palmdale today is senseless and horrific,” Hahn tweeted Saturday. “Tonight I’m praying for him, his friends, fellow deputies at @PalmdaleSheriff, and especially his loved ones.”
Other law enforcement agencies also offered their condolences.
“On behalf of @ChiefNisleit and the entire San Diego Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer and the entire Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department during this heartbreaking time.”
Luna said homicide detectives were studying videos broadcast during local news reports that appear to show a vehicle drive up behind Clinkunbroomer’s patrol car. But he also implored anyone who has video or information to provide it to the department.
“We are utilizing every resource available to apprehend the suspect responsible for this heinous crime,” the sheriff said. “Somebody saw something. Somebody knows something. There is a family here at this hospital grieving an unimaginable loss. We need your help.”
Anybody who witnessed anything related to the shooting, especially in the area of Sierra Highway around 6 p.m. Saturday, was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). source
Suspect arrested in the ambush killing of a newly engaged Los Angeles deputy. This is what the sheriff wants the public to know
After an hourslong standoff, a 29-year-old man suspected of gunning down a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was arrested Monday. But the reason behind the killing remains a mystery.
Kevin Cataneo Salazar is accused of ambushing and shooting Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, 30, as the deputy waited at a red light in his patrol car Saturday, Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna said.
Cataneo Salazar surrendered after deputies deployed chemical agents at his home Monday.
The sheriff has described the deputy’s killer as a “coward” who took Clinkunbroomer’s life “while he’s sitting at a red light, waiting to serve our community.”
Clinkunbroomer, who got engaged just four days before he was killed, was found fatally wounded by a civilian around 6 p.m. Saturday near his sheriff’s station in Palmdale, about 60 miles north of Los Angeles.
“He was murdered – ambushed – by a coward,” Luna said.
“Our deputy left this station in uniform to serve. And he was shot and killed. Why? We don’t know yet. But we intend to find out.”
Luna thanked the public for valuable information that led to Cataneo Salazar’s capture and praised his deputies for their hard work despite immense grief.
“I ask all of you … to continue to support our deputies here at the Palmdale station, Lancaster station right next door, and really all of law enforcement,” Luna said outside the slain deputy’s station.
“Our officers, our deputies go out and serve this community every day, putting their lives on the line. So we have a lot to be thankful for – that we have men and women who volunteered to do this, and families who kiss them goodbye and just pray that they come back home. And in this case, Ryan’s family will never see him again.”
More than a dozen other families of law enforcement officers are grieving the loss of their loved ones in ambush attacks this year.
There have been 83 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement in 2023, with 101 officers shot – 15 fatally, according to a report this month from the Fraternal Order of Police.
Saturday’s killing came three years after two Los Angeles deputies were shot ambush-style at a train station while sitting in their patrol vehicle.
Clinkunbroomer was a beloved member of the sheriff’s department and “was just starting his life,” Luna said.
The deputy’s father and grandfather both served in the sheriff’s department, Luna said.
“Service was running through his veins. He embodied the values of bravery, selflessness and was committed to justice,” Luna said in a Facebook post. “Our deputy was a devoted family member and a cherished community member.”
The sheriff read a statement on behalf of Clinkunbroomer’s family members, who asked for privacy as they grieve.
“Our son Ryan was a dedicated, hardworking deputy sheriff who enjoyed working here at the Palmdale station,” the statement read in part.
“Ryan was recently engaged to the love of his life. As our firstborn son, Ryan will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the sheriff’s department as a whole.”
Even though a suspect is in custody, Luna said the investigation continues. He urged the public to provide any photos, video or information about the fatal ambush. source