Clinkunbroomer was shot around 6 p.m Saturday in his patrol car near the station at Sierra Highway and East Avenue Q. A good Samaritan stopped to help after the shooting, and the injured deputy was rushed to Antelope Valley Medical Center in grave condition. Tragically, he was pronounced dead later that night.
Following an extensive standoff, Salazar was arrested at his family’s residence early Monday morning. Special Enforcement Bureau deputies took him into custody after employing “chemical agents” at the scene during the conclusion of the barricade. Numerous firearms were recovered, and a dark-colored sedan believed to be connected to the crime was also seized. Salazar is currently being held without bail at Twin Towers jail in downtown Los Angeles, awaiting his court appearance scheduled for Wednesday in Lancaster.
During a news conference on Monday morning, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna expressed gratitude to the public for providing valuable tips that led to the identification and arrest of the suspect. Luna commended the professionalism exhibited by the deputies involved in the apprehension, acknowledging that despite the knowledge that the suspect may have killed one of their own, they prioritized a peaceful resolution. With a hint of irony, Luna highlighted the vast contrast between the actions of law enforcement officers and those who target the community.
As of now, the motive behind the killing remains unknown. Luna emphasized the dedication of his department to unraveling the mystery and obtaining answers. At the news conference, a statement from Clinkunbroomer’s family was read, testifying to his role as a hard-working deputy dedicated to serving his community. The family requested privacy during their time of mourning and urged the public to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.
Luna urged anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing. Although Salazar’s arrest has instilled confidence in law enforcement, Luna reiterated the importance of receiving additional information from witnesses to ensure a successful prosecution.
County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed determination to fully prosecute the individual responsible for the murder and vowed not to rest until justice is served. She condemned the attack as a cowardly act and emphasized the need to send a clear message that such violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated.
The Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs announced the establishment of a donation fund to support Clinkunbroomer’s family. Those wishing to contribute can find more information on the website www.alads.org/donate.
Based on preliminary investigations, it is believed that Clinkunbroomer was shot while stopped at a red light. Law enforcement officials had previously identified a dark gray Toyota Corolla, seen in a widely circulated video, as a vehicle of interest in connection with the shooting. On Monday morning, a dark gray Corolla was observed being removed from the suspect’s residence.
Luna shared the heartbreaking backstory of Clinkunbroomer’s family’s long-standing law enforcement legacy, revealing that the slain deputy’s father and grandfather were also deputies. Clinkunbroomer had just become engaged four days before his tragic death. Luna struggled to contain his emotions as he described the targeted ambush-style killing, expressing his disbelief and grief over the senseless act of violence.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who witnessed anything related to the shooting, particularly in the vicinity of Sierra Highway at around 6 p.m. on Saturday, to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau or Crime Stoppers.
Following the murder, several agencies, including the county and city of Palmdale and the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, offered rewards totaling $250,000 for information leading to the capture and conviction of the perpetrator. In a show of support, hundreds of people gathered for a vigil on Sunday night to honor the fallen deputy.
Clinkunbroomer served as a field training officer and had been with the Palmdale station since July 2018. He was an eight-year veteran of the department and was widely regarded as an exemplary officer.
As Clinkunbroomer’s body was transported to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office, law enforcement officers held an overnight procession to pay their respects.
The last Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy to be shot and killed in the line of duty was Sgt. Steve Owen, who was murdered in 2016. Prior to that, Deputy Alejandro Martinez died in 2022, several months after being struck by a wrong-way vehicle during a training session. Deputy Steve Belanger was fatally shot in 1994 during a traffic stop and remained in a wheelchair until his death in 2018.
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