Los Angeles County deputy shot and killed after being ‘ambushed’ in his patrol automobile

A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was “ambushed” and killed in his patrol automobile by an unknown particular person Saturday. Authorities suspect the deputy was focused just because “he was in uniform.”

Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, 30, was discovered unconscious in his automobile at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sheriff Robert Luna advised reporters at a late-night information convention. The bystander referred to as 911, and Clinkunbroomer was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound. He didn’t survive.

Authorities haven’t recognized a suspect. Luna stated that no idea had been eradicated for the shooter’s motive however that it appeared the deputy was focused as a result of “he was in uniform.”

“He was simply driving down the road, and for no obvious purpose — and we’re nonetheless trying into the precise causes — anyone determined to shoot and homicide him,” Luna stated.

Clinkunbroomer had simply left the Palmdale station, and his automobile was discovered close by on the intersection of Sierra Freeway and Avenue Q. Legislation enforcement officers aware of the investigation stated Sunday {that a} video clip that reveals a automobile pulling alongside the patrol automobile earlier than it speeds away is a spotlight within the investigation.

There have been few leads as detectives query whether or not Clinkunbroomer was focused or whether or not the shooter was in search of any particular person in uniform driving a patrol automobile to assault, a supply stated. Investigators are in search of extra video which will match what seems to be the second of the ambush.

“Detectives are within the preliminary phases of this investigation and in search of the general public’s help to apprehend this suspect,” Luna stated Saturday. “So I’m going to proceed with my notes, however I’m simply going to pause — we actually want your assist.”

On Sunday, the division stated in an announcement it was looking for a automobile apparently seen in that video: a dark-colored 2006 to 2012 Toyota Corolla. The division characterised the sedan as a “car of curiosity.”

Richard Pippin, the president of the Affiliation for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, described Clinkunbroomer’s dying as an “unprovoked execution” in an announcement Sunday.

“All of us undergo immeasurable loss when cowardly acts of homicide resembling this are dedicated,” Pippin stated. “We’re left reeling from this incomprehensible tragedy. I guarantee you that each regulation enforcement officer within the area is concentrated on relentlessly pursuing these criminals till justice is served.”

Clinkunbroomer, a third-generation deputy, had spent the final 12 months and a half as a discipline coaching officer. Luna described the function as one reserved for the “better of the very best” within the division.

“He embodied the values of bravery … selflessness and an absolute dedication to justice,” Luna stated. “Our deputy was a loyal member of the family and a shared cherished member of our neighborhood who was cowardly shot whereas working tirelessly to serve our neighborhood this night.”

Clinkunbroomer had gotten engaged simply 4 days earlier than his dying, Luna stated. Along with his fiancée, Clinkunbroomer is survived by his dad and mom and his grandparents.

Deputies gathered alongside different county staff and neighborhood members to kind a processional as Clinkunbroomer’s physique was transported Saturday evening. Clinkunbroomer was draped in an American flag as he was wheeled out of the hospital and right into a coroner’s car.

Late on Sunday, the sheriff’s division introduced a $250,000 reward for data resulting in the arrest and conviction of a suspect.

The cash consists of $100,000 from county taxpayers, dedicated by elected Supervisor Kathryn Barger, $100,000 from town of Palmdale, which has a contract for police service with the sheriff’s division, and $50,000 from the union representing rank-and-file deputies within the division.