A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the ambush killing of Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer. The 30-year-old deputy was shot while sitting in his patrol car on Saturday evening. The suspect barricaded himself inside a home in Palmdale for several hours before surrendering to authorities. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that weapons were recovered during the arrest.
The motive for the killing remains unknown at this time. Luna described the situation as “fluid” and stated that there could be more arrests. However, he expressed confidence that the arrested individual is the person responsible for the deputy’s death.
Deputy Clinkunbroomer, a third-generation law enforcement officer, had recently become engaged just four days before the shooting. A vigil was held outside the Palmdale sheriff’s station on Sunday, attended by hundreds of people paying their respects.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Authorities released surveillance video showing a dark-colored sedan pulling alongside the patrol car moments before the shooting. Luna commended community members for providing information that led to the identification of the suspect and the vehicle.
The suspect was apprehended after a SWAT team served a search warrant at the residence where he had barricaded himself. Negotiators attempted to de-escalate the situation before chemical agents were deployed and the suspect surrendered.
Deputy Clinkunbroomer had been assigned to the Palmdale station since July 2018. His father and grandfather also served in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The president of the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, Richard Pippin, expressed condolences and described the murder as “heart-wrenching.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the killing “horrific, unconscionable, and shocking.” He ordered flags at the state Capitol to be flown at half-staff in honor of Deputy Clinkunbroomer.
Deputy William Warner, who trained Clinkunbroomer, praised his dedication and work ethic, stating that he wanted to make a difference in his role as a law enforcement officer.
