On September 12, Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer made a marriage proposal to his beloved. Tragically, four days following this joyous event, the police officer from Los Angeles, California, lost his life. In a significant development, law enforcement has recently apprehended a suspect in connection with this case.
Clinkunbroomer departed from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, commencing his night shift on September 16, shortly before 6 p.m. local time. Not long after, an individual who happened to pass by contacted 911 upon discovering the wounded deputy inside his patrol car at a traffic light. Swiftly, first responders transported him to Antelope Valley Medical Center. Regrettably, the 30-year-old officer succumbed to a gunshot wound later that same evening.
Following the tragic murder, Sheriff Robert Luna made a plea to the community for assistance and shared an image of a vehicle they suspected was connected to the shooting. Sheriff Luna also noted that Deputy Clinkunbroomer hailed from a family with a strong legacy in the department, as both his father and grandfather had also served there.
Kevin Cataneo Salazar, 29, was taken into custody early Monday morning after barricading himself in a home for several hours, Sheriff Robert Luna said during a press conference.
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) September 18, 2023
Salazar is accused of shooting Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, a 30-year-old field training officer, as… pic.twitter.com/mtVy011Isk
On Monday, September 18, the sheriff’s department disclosed that a suspect had been apprehended. According to an official statement, the LA County Sheriff Department’s Special Enforcement Bureau conducted a search warrant in the early hours of the morning, leading to the discovery and arrest of Kevin Cataneo Salazar.
The 29-year-old individual, who is the suspect in this case, allegedly barricaded himself within the residence but was ultimately captured. During their investigation, authorities seized firearms and identified the vehicle purportedly utilized in the homicide. The police, however, have not disclosed a motive for the shooting incident.
Marle Salazar, the mother of the suspect, informed the press that her son received a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia five years ago. She mentioned that he believed he was being pursued by individuals and had made two suicide attempts in the past.
The parents of Clinkunbroomer issued a statement via the department, commending their son’s commitment to the community. They further expressed that he had recently become engaged to his beloved and emphasized the profound loss felt by their family, friends, and fellow colleagues. In their message, the grieving parents kindly requested that everyone honor their need for privacy during this challenging time and offered their heartfelt gratitude for the prayers and support extended to their family.
