Person of Interest Arrested in Ambush of LASD Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer

LOS ANGELES – Authorities announced Monday that a person of interest was arrested in the ambush shooting of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer near the department’s Palmdale Station. , this week-end.

More information is expected to be released at a news conference scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the sheriff’s station.

Authorities said Clinkunbroomer was stopped in a patrol car at a red light when he was shot in the head and found outside the sheriff’s station at Sierra Highway and East Avenue Q Saturday evening. He was discovered by a good Samaritan, who called 911. Clinkunbroomer was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center, where he later died.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna called Clinkunbroomer’s death a targeted ambush. But the motive and whether the MP or the ministry in general was the target was not yet known.

“He was just driving down the street,” Luna explained. “And for no apparent reason – and we’re still looking into the specific reasons – someone decided to shoot and murder him, I guess at this point, because he was in uniform. That, to me, is sickening. That’s not what this community is about and that’s why we stand up here collectively to really ask our community for your help as we move forward.”

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“We are using all available resources to apprehend the suspect responsible for this heinous crime,” the sheriff said. “Someone saw something. Someone knows something. There is a family here in this hospital grieving an unimaginable loss. We need your help.”

The vehicle authorities are looking for is a dark gray 2006-2012 Toyota Corolla. This is the car seen on surveillance video pulling up next to Clinkunbroomer’s patrol vehicle before speeding away.

A ‘vehicle of interest’ in the murder of LASD Deputy Ryan Clinkenbroomer in Palmdale.

Luna said Clinkunbroomer is an eight-year veteran of the department and has worked at the Palmdale station since July 2018. He served as a field training officer, which Luna said is a role reserved only for “best of the best”.

“His father and grandfather served with us. Service ran in his veins. He embodied the values ​​of bravery and selflessness and he was committed to justice. Our deputy was a dedicated family member and member beloved of the community. He was cowardly gunned down while working tirelessly to serve our community tonight. Our hearts go out to his family. We cannot fully understand their pain, but we will stand in solidarity with them and support them through this difficult time. They deserve unwavering compassion and we will do everything in our power to provide them with assistance and care,” Luna said in a statement.

California Governor Gavin Newsom called the killing “horrific, unconscionable and shocking.” He ordered flags at the state capitol to be lowered to half-staff in Clinkunbroomer’s honor.

The sheriff said his department is working closely with officials in the city of Palmdale, about 61 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

A $250,000 reward has been announced for information leading to the capture, arrest and prosecution of the suspected killer(s) – $100,000 each from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the City of Palmdale , and $50,000 from the Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs Association. ALADS has also set up a donations page for those wishing to help Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s family following his death. This fundraiser can be found by clicking here.

A vigil for Clinkunbroomer was held Sunday evening outside the Palmdale sheriff’s station.

Anyone who witnessed anything related to the shooting, particularly in the area of ​​Sierra Highway around 6 p.m. Saturday, was asked 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.