A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy, identified as 30-year-old Ryan Clinkunbroomer, was shot near the Palmdale Sheriff’s station on Saturday evening, September 16, in what was suspected of being an “ambush attack,” according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s office.
Deputy Clinkunbroomer was shot as he sat in his patrol car at a red light.
Upon arrival, officials found Deputy Clinkunbroomer outside the station in medical distress. He was taken to a nearby hospital and later succumbed to his injuries. Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed the news early Sunday morning.
A security video showed a gray Toyota Corolla, assumed to be the shooter’s car. As of Sunday night, a suspect had not been identified.
Deputy Clinkunbroomer had been with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) for eight years and had served the Palmdale and Antelope Valley communities. Luna praised the deputy’s contributions, mentioning that he worked with distinction.
Sheriff Luna highlighted Clinkunbroomer’s family’s history of service, noting that both his father and grandfather had been deputies for the sheriff’s department.
Sheriff Luna wrote on X about Clinkunbroomer’s commitment to the community, stating, “Deputy Clinkunbroomer left his family tonight to serve our community. He wore a uniform like other @LASDHQ deputies and drove a police car.”
Sheriff Luna also extended the department’s condolences to Clinkunbroomer’s family, stating that the LASD would support them.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Luna assured the public that the sheriff’s department would use its resources to find and hold accountable those responsible for the deputy’s death. A $250,000 reward has been posted.
