Vehicle seen near scene of Los Angeles deputy’s murder sought by homicide investigators
Authorities said they identified a “vehicle of interest” in Saturday’s killing.
September 18, 2023, 6:03 a.m.
Moments before Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer was shot and killed, a gray Toyota Corolla pulled up next to the patrol car he was driving, investigators said.
Clinkunbroomer, who was on duty, was stopped at a red light outside the Palmdale sheriff’s station around 6 p.m. Saturday.
After the Corolla left, Clinkunbroomer’s car remained at the light, where a “good Samaritan discovered him unresponsive in his vehicle and quickly alerted Palmdale station personnel,” police said.
Clinkunbroomer, 30, was transported to nearby Antelope Valley Medical Center, where he died from his injuries, police said. Investigators described the killing as an ambush. No suspects have been publicly identified.
“This coward among cowards committed suicide while waiting at a red light,” Sheriff Robert Luna said at a news conference.
Sherriff’s deputies block a street where a deputy was shot while in his patrol car in Palmdale, Calif., Sunday, September 17, 2023.
Richard Vogel/AP
On Sunday, Sheriff’s Department homicide investigators asked for information about the Corolla, which they described as a dark-colored sedan with a model year between 2006 and 2012.
This undated photo provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department shows Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.
P.A.
He was wanted as a “vehicle of interest” in the investigation into the MP’s murder, according to a special bulletin.
“Widely circulated video of the incident also captured a secondary vehicle traveling alongside Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s patrol vehicle, which is of significant interest to our ongoing investigation,” the department said in a statement. “We are asking for the public’s help in locating the vehicle and its occupants.”
Police cars block a street where a sheriff’s deputy was shot while in his patrol car in Palmdale, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.
Richard Vogel/AP
The bulletin included footage of the vehicle from that video, officials said. Homicide investigators discovered the video as they began “actively conducting interviews, reviewing evidence and reviewing surveillance footage,” police said.
Authorities also announced a $250,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
ABC News’ Amanda M. Morris and Marilyn Heck contributed to this story.
ABC News
