UPDATE: (Sept 18, 7 a.m.) -- A "person of interest" has been detained in connection with the fatal shooting of a deputy near the sheriff's department's Palmdale station over the weekend, authorities said Monday. Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna will have a news conference at 10:30 a.m. at the Palmdale Sheriff's Station on East Avenue Q to provide more information on the person of interest who was detained by police.
A manhunt was underway Sunday for the killer who ambushed a third-generation Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy, who was shot while sitting in his patrol car in front of the department's Palmdale station.
Ryan Clinkunbroomer, who was 30 years old, was "found in medical distress" at about 6 p.m. Saturday when a good Samaritan stopped to render aid. The wounded deputy was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center in grave condition but the L-A County Sheriff's department announced shortly after 11 p.m. that he had died.
NBC News reports that Clinkunbroomer was stopped and sitting in his patrol car at a red light when he was shot. He was found in front of the station at Sierra Highway and East Avenue Q with a gunshot wound to the head.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced Clinkunbroomer's death during a news conference at the City of Hope Antelope Valley, saying his father and grandfather had also been deputies and that Clinkunbroomer had gotten engaged just four days earlier.
"He didn't deserve this," Luna said "This is so unfair. We're hurting because we lost somebody. It hurts bad. It sucks, just to put it bluntly. Our hearts absolutely go out to his family."
Anyone who might have any information that may help find the killer is urged to call law enforcement.
Governor Newsom Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff
Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis issued the following statement:
“On behalf of all Californians, we mourn the horrific, unconscionable, and shocking loss of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer — a third-generation law enforcement officer whose commitment to service and justice represented the best of the Golden State. “Selflessly serving his community, Deputy Clinkunbroomer followed in the steps of his father and grandfather — entrenching a lasting legacy that forever stands tall.
“In this time of mourning, we honor this legacy and send our deepest sympathies to Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s fiancée, his loved ones, and the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.“Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s devotion to community and country will never be forgotten.” He served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for eight years. Deputy Clinkunbroomer is survived by his fiancée, mother, and father.
In honor of Deputy Clinkunbroomer, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.
(Photo L-A County Sheriff's Department)