Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer was shot and killed in his patrol car.Photo:Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of a deputy who was killed in his patrol car over the weekend.
At a press conference on Monday, Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna announced the arrest of 29-year-old Kevin Cataneo Salazar after an hours-long standoff in Palmdale, perNBC News,CNNandABC 7 Los Angeles.The suspect reportedly surrendered after deputies “deployed chemical agents” at his home.
It’s unclear if Salazar has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.
“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 avideo shared to the department’s Facebook pageon Monday. He thanked “courageous” community members for coming forward with information that led homicide detectives to identify the suspect accused of killing Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.
The 30-year-old deputy was “ambushed while conducting routine patrol duties” and “in full uniform, driving a marked patrol vehicle,” the department added in anews release.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies secure the scene of the shooting.Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty
Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty
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At apress conferenceon Saturday, Sheriff Luna said Clinkunbroomer’s father and grandfather both previously served the police department. “Service was running through his veins,” he said.
Luna noted that he believed the shooting was a “targeted act," but said at the time that the investigation remained in the “extremely early stages."
In aspecial bulletinon Sunday before Salazar’s arrest, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department offered a $250,000 reward along with photos of the vehicle believed to be involved in the shooting.
A man places flowers at a growing memorial at the scene of the shooting.Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty
“[Clinkunbroomer] embodied the values of bravery, selflessness and was committed to justice,” Sheriff Luna said instatement on Facebook.“Our deputy was a devoted family member and a cherished community member.”
“Our hearts go out to his family,” he continued. “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.”
Investigators did not share a motive for the violence. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s previous request for comment.
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.
source: people.com
