We understand our normal Coffee with a Cop hours does not work with everyone’s schedules. Therefore, we have created a night time version we are calling Dine with a Deputy!
It will be next Wednesday, October 25th, at the Starbucks located inside Target at 38019 47th Street East, from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.
We hope you can come out and join us at this new time, for some coffee, food and good conversations!
See you there!
Update 9/18/2023 – See Third Press Conference video below for update regarding detainment of person of interest
Following a pivotal 4:00 p.m. press conference held yesterday on 09/17/2023, the Palmdale community demonstrated exceptional unity and commitment to justice. Their cooperation and valuable information have led to a significant development in the murder investigation of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.
Early this morning 09/18/2023, our highly specialized Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Special Enforcement Bureau executed a warrant at the residence of the prime suspect, located in the 37600 block of Barrinson Street, Palmdale.
When the family exited the residence, the suspect opted to barricade himself and initially refused to exit. He remained barricaded as Special Enforcement Bureau deputies were engaged for an extended duration, working diligently to de-escalate the situation. They employed various techniques, including the utilization of hostage negotiators, in their efforts to resolve the standoff.
“Because those special enforcement deputies took the time to try to de-escalate this and take this individual peacefully into custody when they knew that our deputy was not afforded the same opportunity he never gave our deputy a chance, but yet are men and women gave this individual a chance to take him in the custody peacefully.”-Sheriff Luna
During this operation, investigators successfully recovered a substantial amount of firearms and identified the vehicle of interest depicted in yesterday’s flyer.
The suspect, 29-year-old Kevin Cataneo Salazar of Palmdale, was promptly apprehended and transported to the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, where he will remain in custody pending further investigation.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that this case will be meticulously presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations, underscoring our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice to the fullest extent of the law.
Sheriff Luna expressed profound gratitude to the Palmdale community members whose courage and cooperation provided the critical leads necessary for the suspect’s arrest. Their dedication to the safety and well-being of their community has proven invaluable.
Further, Sheriff Luna extended his sincere appreciation to the relentless efforts of the homicide investigators who tirelessly coordinated with numerous members of the Detective Division throughout this investigation. He also acknowledged the dedication and swift response of all department personnel who rose to the occasion during this tragic event.
Clinkunbroomer Family shared their heartfelt sentiments about Ryan’s unwavering dedication and commitment to the Sheriff’s Department.
“Our son Ryan was a dedicated, hard-working Deputy Sheriff, who enjoyed working here at the Palmdale Station. He was proud to work along the side of his partners, that he considered brothers and sisters as he sacrificed daily to better the community that he served. Ryan made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so. 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. Please keep Ryan’s family friends and colleagues in your prayers and respect everyone’s privacy during our time of mourning. Thank you from the bottom of my heart the Clinkunbroomer family.” – Statement from the Clinkunbroomer Family
Sheriff Luna went on to extend thanks to the city of Palmdale, the city of Lancaster, the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS), Board of Supervisor Katherine Barger, Mayor Laura Bettencourt, and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their unwavering support and collaborative efforts.
Board of Supervisor Kathryn Barger conveyed her appreciation for the diligent efforts and unwavering commitment displayed by all involved in the pursuit of the suspect.
“We have the best and the brightest working and last night I had the honor of meeting some of them and I knew they were going to catch the suspect.” Kathryn Barger.
Mayor Laura Bettencourt expressed her gratitude to the community for their collective efforts in providing valuable information that may have contributed to the suspect’s apprehension.
“Thank you to the community everyone that was here last night after the vigil, lots of calls came in from the community, we united finding the suspect.” Mayor Laura Bettencourt
ALADS President Richard Pippin took pride in serving as a deputy sheriff and expressed his appreciation to the dedicated men and women who demonstrated exceptional skills within this department.
“I am proud of my partners and today the men and women of this department for their professionalism, the skill they showed.”-Richard Pippin
Suspect Kevin Cataneo Salazar, now under arrest for murder, will face the legal consequences of his alleged actions, and the authorities are relentless in ensuring that justice prevails for Deputy Clinkunbroomer and the entire community.
LASD continues to urge individuals to step forward and provide any information that would be useful in the investigation. This remains essential because the arrest marks just one phase of the process. The focus now shifts to thoroughly ensuring that the suspect faces prosecution of the law.
Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500, attention Detective G. Carrillo or Detective D. Machuca
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website: http://lacrimestoppers.org.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department remains dedicated to identifying the perpetrator(s) responsible for the tragic murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer. Deputy Clinkunbroomer, an eight-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department, tragically lost his life while on duty at Palmdale Sheriff Station.
On the evening of the incident, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Deputy Clinkunbroomer was ambushed while conducting routine patrol duties. He was in full uniform, driving a marked patrol vehicle, and had just left the Palmdale Station, heading northbound on Sierra Highway. Deputy Clinkunbroomer was alone in his vehicle when he stopped at the intersection of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q in Palmdale. Shortly thereafter, a Good Samaritan discovered him unconscious in his vehicle and promptly alerted Palmdale Station personnel. Deputy Clinkunbroomer was rushed to Antelope Valley Medical Center, where dedicated medical staff made every effort to treat a gunshot wound he had sustained. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate and dedicated medical staff at Antelope Valley Medical Center for their tireless efforts to save Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s life.
Our investigators are actively conducting interviews, scrutinizing evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage. A widely circulated video from the incident also captured a secondary vehicle traveling alongside Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s patrol vehicle, which is of significant interest to our ongoing investigation. We ask for the public assistance locating the vehicle and its occupants.
The vehicle in question is described as a dark grey 2006-2012 Toyota Corolla.
Deputy Clinkunbroomer, aged thirty, dedicated most of his eight-year service to the Palmdale community.
During this challenging time, Sheriff Robert Luna and his family offer their prayers and support to Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s family, friends, fellow department members, and the Palmdale community.
“Ryan is not coming home, and Ryan wasn’t only a Deputy Sheriff for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, but he was a son, grandson, and newly engaged. He had so much ahead of him.”
Sheriff Luna.
The Sheriff’s Department expresses sincere gratitude to the Board of Supervisors, Palmdale, and Lancaster City officials for their unwavering support during this challenging period.
Additionally, Sheriff Luna extends his appreciation to the numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies that have reached out, offering their assistance. He also acknowledges the District Attorney’s Office for their prompt response and support in this ongoing investigation.
Board of Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed her heartfelt emotions over the devastating loss of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbloomer. As an incentive, she will introduce a motion during Tuesday’s upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting. This motion seeks to establish a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for Deputy Clinkunbloomer’s murder.
“The persons or person responsible will be held accountable, and I make that promise to you. Justice must and will be served.”
Kathryn Barger.
Mayor Laura Bettencourt assured the community with the entire city’s support and commitment to utilize all available resources, and the city will be taking action to expedite efforts. The city is pledging to match the county’s $100,000 reward, thereby contributing $100,000 from the city of Palmdale towards the capture and conviction of the perpetrator.
“Deputy Clinkunbroomer embodied the values we hold dear as a community values of service, protection, and the commitment to keep us safe.”
Mayor Laura Bettencourt
ALASD President Richard Pippin conveyed the devastation of the murder of Deputy Clinkunbroomer and the numerous people this has affected.
As an effort to bring justice, ALADS has offered a $50,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the suspects responsible for the murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.
“This is an attack on our profession. It was an attack on the people that protect you and your loved ones.”
-Richard Pippin.
Sheriff Luna ensures the public the individuals responsible for this senseless act will be brought to justice.
If anyone was present at the intersection of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q at approximately 6 pm on the day of the incident and may have witnessed anything or possesses relevant information, we urge you to contact our Homicide Investigators at 323-890-5500. For those who wish to remain anonymous, please reach out to Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
One year ago tomorrow, on July 13, 2022, just prior to midnight, Palmdale Station deputies conducted a traffic stop after seeing a car driving at night without headlights. During the traffic stop, deputies smelled alcohol coming from the vehicle. There were also four females and three infants in the vehicle. The infants were being held in the arms of the mothers without the use of child car seats.
As a result, deputies on scene made the discretionary decision to arrest the passengers and the driver for felony child endangerment. The male driver was also arrested for driving suspended license and driving under the influence of alcohol. Additional deputies and a supervising sergeant arrived to assist with the traffic stop.
During the arrests of the females a use of force occurred on two of the women to affect the arrest and gain control of the infants. One of these uses of force involved a mother and her three-week-old infant, who was refusing to let go of her child. During the encounter a deputy punched the female twice in the face.
This use of force was assigned to the Internal Affairs Bureau for an investigation shortly after the incident.
The event was captured on the deputies Body Worn Camera, and we have released the video today, in accordance with our commitment to transparency.
As your Sheriff, I want to speak clearly and directly to our community about this incident. I found the punching of the woman in these circumstances unacceptable. While this incident occurred one year ago, before my term as Sheriff began, I took swift action upon learning of this incident several days ago. I must note that state law precludes me from disclosing disciplinary actions taken in this matter.
I directed our Professional Standards Division to refer this incident to the District Attorney for criminal consideration. The Los Angeles FBI Office will also looking into this matter.
I have spoken with local elected officials, along with community and religious leaders, to discuss this incident.
Even during our most difficult moments – we must continue to work together as a community to build bridges, to have those painful and candid conversations. And that is my commitment, so we can establish public safety and public trust for this Department.
I have said it before, and I will repeat it again; the vast majority of our deputies and professional staff are doing incredible work on behalf of the 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. I remain in awe of the professionalism, commitment, and courage shown by members of our Department each and every day.
I was elected as Sheriff to keep our communities safe, and to bring new leadership and accountability to this department. And that’s exactly what we will do. My goal is to ensure services are respectful, empathetic, and constitutional.
That is our standard – which is what Los Angeles County deserves from this Department.
Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants
The proliferation of illegal Marijuana cultivation operations throughout the high desert area has become an ever-growing problem in the Antelope Valley. As a result of information received through public calls for service, and the office of Supervisor Barger, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies assigned to Community Partnerships Bureau (COPS) served two search warrants in the Fort Tejon area of Palmdale targeting some of these illegal operations.
On Tuesday, May 4th, 2021, a suspect was taken into custody for the illegal cultivation of marijuana during these warrant services. Additionally, approximately 3,800 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. Due to the fact these operations were being conducted on public lands, members of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were also present. Their office will seek additional charges related to the destruction and contamination of local wildlife.
Illegal marijuana grows are not only illegal, but are harmful to the environment and wildlife due to the hazardous chemicals and toxic pesticides used. The illegal marijuana grows are also dangerous for residents who may stumble upon them. There could be toxic molds and fungus, faulty electrical hook ups and booby traps that can be life threatening to those who wander onto the land where these illegal marijuana grows are.
We thank those residents who contacted the LASD to provide the information which led to the apprehension of the suspect, the seizure of the illegal narcotics, and the return of these public lands to the residents of the Antelope Valley.
If you know of any illegal marijuana grow operations in your area, please contact your local law enforcement agency to report it. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google Play or the App Store or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Death of Palmdale Man Ruled a Suicide
Sheriff Alex Villanueva called a press conference today, Thursday, July 9, 2020, to announce the latest findings in the circumstances surrounding the death of Robert Fuller, who was found hanging from a tree in Palmdale. Mr. Fuller’s body was discovered in the early morning hours of Wednesday, June 10, 2020, in the 38300 block of 9th Street East, Palmdale. He was 24 years old.
From the beginning of the investigation, Sheriff Villanueva assured the decedent’s family and the public a thorough and objective investigation would be conducted, with the cooperation of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice Attorney General’s office.
Commander Chris Marks, who oversees Detective Division and Homicide Bureau, provided a timeline of events in the investigation, the steps detectives took, the information they gathered, and the factual culmination of their results. Based upon many components of the investigation including: Evidence collected at the scene, the calculation of physical logistics at the scene, evidence collected at supplemental locations, scientific results, autopsy results, mental health and medical records, clinically-documented statements of suicidal intent made by the patient, information from the family, and the lack of evidence of involvement by a third party, The Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner determined that Robert Fuller’s death was a suicide by hanging, and published that report.
The Sheriff offered his condolences to the Fuller family for the loss of their son, and called upon the Board of Supervisors for proper funding of mental health treatment centers, which often run overcrowded, underfunded and without enough resources.
Because of the current civic climate and in the wake of civil unrest across the nation, the manner of Robert Fuller’s death raised many questions. Many demanded answers right away, however, this type of investigation takes time and methodical, documented processing. “Because the people are demanding answers immediately,” said Sheriff Villanueva, “doesn’t mean we get to skip processes.” Skipping steps and rushing to judgement to satisfy outside pressure can easily compromise the truth. “The only pressure we should satisfy is the truth,” said the Sheriff.
A Palmdale Sheriff’s Station deputy took swift action at a park recently, when he encountered a desperate mother and her son, who was in physical distress. On Sunday, May 31, 2020, security camera footage captured the intense moment when two women ran frantically across a supermarket parking lot in the 3000 block of Rancho Vista Boulevard; one of them carried a limp, 11-month-old boy and stopped to administer back blows upon him. Moments earlier, the women were participating in a protest at the park, when the baby got sick, stopped breathing and lost consciousness. They ran toward deputies who were across the street, monitoring the protest, to seek assistance.
Deputy Cameron Kinsey spotted the women coming his way, ran toward them, and met them in the parking lot. An anxious mother handed her son to the deputy, who immediately recognized something was gravely wrong. Deputy Kinsey assessed the child, administered a mouth sweep with his finger and dislodged vomit. Video footage shows clear relief in the posture of everyone encircling when the baby began to breathe again and regained alertness. Paramedics arrived shortly afterward and transported the toddler to the hospital for treatment. It was later determined the little one swallowed a coin, which lodged in his throat and blocked the airway. It was Deputy Kinsey who opened the airway with the mouth sweep procedure and turned the coin sideways, allowing air to pass through.
“None of that other stuff matters,” said Deputy Kinsey about all the other things going on around him at the time, “Just the baby.”
There will be checkpoints in the LA County areas for the St. Patrick’s day holiday.
Deputy Conley and Deputy Halaszynski conducting a DUI investigation to help keep our roads safe!
