LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ryan Clinkunbroomer, a third-generation law enforcement officer’s body was found in his patrol vehicle on Saturday, September 16, 2023. He died from a gunshot wound, as per police records.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a suspect in relation to the fatal shooting of the deputy.
On Monday, September 18, LA Sheriff Robert Luna shared that the department has arrested alleged shooter Kevin Cataneo Salazar after an hours-long standoff in Palmdale, reports NBC News.
How did Kevin Cataneo Salazar get arrested?
"Thirty-six hours after the murder of our deputy, the men and women of our department arrested [the suspect] early this morning," Sheriff Luna said in a video shared on the department's Facebook page.
He lauded the "courageous" community members for their contribution, which ultimately helped homicide detectives to identify the suspect.
"[Officers] deployed chemical agents, and the suspect ultimately surrendered," Luna said.
"Our special enforcement bureau deputies were so professional in giving the suspect adequate time to surrender peacefully," Luna added.
"Our deputies gave this suspect an opportunity to peacefully give up. That is not the right that was afforded to our deputy three days ago out here across the street," the sheriff further said.
"It's not justifying anything, it's just getting a little bit of awareness," the suspect's sister Yessica Salazar said.
"He was mentally ill. He heard voices. We tried to help him. I mean it's just that we wanted it to get known also that he wasn't a coward. He was ... on a rampage on the schizophrenia," she added.
How did deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer die?
Clinkunbroomer was "ambushed while conducting routine patrol duties" and "in full uniform, driving a marked patrol vehicle," the department added in a news release.
"[Clinkunbroomer] embodied the values of bravery, selflessness and was committed to justice," Sheriff Luna said in a statement on Facebook. "Our deputy was a devoted family member and a cherished community member," he added.
"Our hearts go out to his family," he said, adding, "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."
A bystander called 911 after spotting the 30-year-old deputy unconscious in his car at 6 pm on Saturday in the Southern California suburb, as per officials.
Anyone with information on the fatal shooting is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at 323-890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
