Suspect arrested after Los Angeles County deputy fatally shot in the head while on duty

LOS ANGELES (TCD) -- Law enforcement officials announced they have detained a person of interest in connection with the killing of a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy who was fatally shot while waiting at a red light.

Sheriff Robert Luna shared the news in a press conference Monday, Sept. 18, and said investigators received new information from several community members following a news briefing Sunday about Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer’s shooting death.

Early Monday morning, agents from the department’s Special Enforcement Bureau served a warrant at a residence in Palmdale and urged everyone in the house to come outside. Family members exited the home, but the suspect, Kevin Salazar, remained inside.

According to Luna, Salazar "chose to barricade himself and refused to come out." The standoff lasted for several hours and Special Enforcement Bureau officials used several methods of trying to get him out, including using hostage negotiators. Eventually, they deployed chemical agents in the residence and he eventually exited the house.

Once inside, investigators reportedly discovered "numerous firearms and the vehicle of interest," a gray Toyota Corolla.

Salazar was taken into custody "peacefully," which Luna said contrasted the way Clinkunbroomer was killed.

He said, "Our deputies gave this suspect an opportunity to peacefully give up. That is not the right that was afforded to our deputy three days ago across the street."

Luna said he does not believe there are any additional suspects, but he is still urging others to come forward with information.

On Saturday, Sept. 16, at approximately 6 p.m., 30-year-old Clinkunbroomer was in his patrol car at the intersection of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q when the suspect allegedly "ambushed" him during his "routine patrol duties." The shooting occurred near the Sheriff’s Department Palmdale Station.

He had been with the department for eight years.

Clinkunbroomer was shot in the head and a good Samaritan found him and called for help. Medics transported him to Antelope Valley Medical Center, where he died from his from his injuries.

Luna said during a press conference Saturday evening, "Our deputy never even had a chance. There was no warning. He was murdered while serving our community."

Clinkunbroomer got engaged just days before he was killed, according to Luna.

"He was just starting his life," he said.

Clinkunbroomer’s father and grandfather both worked for the department.

Luna said he believes Clinkunbroomer could have been shot "because he was in uniform," but officials were still looking into motive.

Officials were offering a $250,000 reward for the capture, prosecution, and conviction of the suspect or suspects.

MORE:

• Sheriff Luna provides update on person of interest detained re: Murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
• Update on the murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in Palmdale - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
• Sheriff Robert Luna provides update on incident where a deputy was shot while inside his patrol car - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
• Press Conference Update on the Murder of Palmdale Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department