November 15, 2024
The Fallen Officer: 30-year-old Ryan Clinkunbroomer was a Deputy Sheriff for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in California. He was shot and killed while sitting in his patrol vehicle at a red light less than a block away from the police station. The Circumstance: On September 16, 2023, Kevin Eduardo Cataneo Salazar allegedly followed Clinkunbroomer just before 6 p.m. as he left the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Palmdale Station while on duty, to the intersection on Sierra Highway, less than one block away from the station. Salazar allegedly ambushed and fatally shot Clinkunbroomer from the driver seat of his own vehicle then sped away. A good Samaritan stopped and found the deputy wounded inside of his SUV, then ran a short distance to the Palmdale Station to seek help. Responding deputies rushed Clinkunbroomer to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Law enforcement officials sought assistance from the public in their exhaustive efforts to find the individual responsible for murdering Clinkunbroomer. After an intensive manhunt and a four-hour standoff, Salazar was found and arrested around 5 a.m. on September 18 at his Palmdale residence. “We are devastated by the brutal murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer and share in the grief with his family, partners, and community as we try to grapple with this tragedy,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “Deputy Clinkunbroomer was in uniform, stopped at a red light in his patrol vehicle like thousands of other law enforcement officers and deputies do every day when he tragically lost his life while serving his community. Deputy Clinkunbroomer embodied a legacy of service that was instilled in him through several generations. Our detectives and personnel worked relentlessly for thirty-six hours to locate and arrest the suspect responsible for Ryan’s murder and we support the charges that were filed today. We expect the maximum punishment available under the law for the murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.” Mission Accomplished: On September 22, 2023, Give Blue Hope called the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Palmdale Station. Curtis spoke with the Human Resource Officer and passed on the condolences from everyone at Give Blue Hope. On September 22, 2023, Give Blue Hope sent a check to the fiancé’ and family of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer. The charitable gift of money can be used for personal expenses or whatever the recipients' needs are. Give Blue Hope will never forget Deputy Clinkunbroomer. God speed. Resepectfully, Give Blue Hope