Update 9/18/2023 – See Third Press Conference video below for update regarding detainment of person of interest
Sheriff Luna Provided Details on the Arrest of Suspect Responsible for the Murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer
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.
Third update Press Conference – 09/18/2023
Previous Update (09/17/2023) on the Tragic Incident Involving the Murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer
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.
