LA County Sheriff’s deputy shot and killed execution-style in Palmdale, California

A Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy was discovered shot and dead inside his police vehicle after what authorities described as an ambush in Palmdale. The shooter is at large as of Sunday.



The killing of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, a 30-year-old field training officer, took place Saturday on the corner of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q, just near the Palmdale Sheriff's Station.

Dramatic video footage allegedly shows police rushing the deputy to the hospital. 

A Good Samaritan came upon Clinkunbroomer, who was found unconscious while in the vehicle at about 6 p.m.

Clinkunbroomer was then taken to the Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Sheriff Robert Luna revealed that Clinkunbroomer's death is being investigated as a murder and that the public's help is appreciated. 

"We really need your help," he said. "We need to get this guy off the street, guy or guys. He's a public safety threat. He ambushed and killed, murdered, one of our deputies. We need your help to get him off the street."

Luna indicated that the alleged ambush attack may have been captured on video.

"Homicide investigators are aware of a video that is circulating and are analyzing that video to determine if it is related to the murder of our deputy," said Luna.

Luna said that Clinkunbroomer had served in the department for eight years, working at the Palmdale station in particular since July 2018.

"Not just anybody becomes a field training officer, it's usually the best of the best."

Both Clinkunbroomer's father and grandfather had been a part of the L.A. sheriff's department, according to Luna.

"Service was running through his veins ... so unfair," said Luna. "He embodied the values of bravery, selflessness and an absolute commitment to justice."

Luna additionally noted that Clinkunbroomer had just commemorated his engagement around four days before his alleged murder.

Palmdale Mayor Laura Bettencourt echoed police requests, also requesting for anybody with relevant information to speak with authorities. 

Luna stated that he believes Clinkunbroomer was shot "because he was in uniform," which to him is "sickening."

“We’re gonna catch the person who did this,” he said. “Every resource that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has to bear is going after you.”