Ryan Clinkunbroomer’s ‘murderer’ identified as Kevin Cataneo Salazar
A 29-year-old man was arrested early Monday, 36 hours after the ambush killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy who was shot as he sat in a patrol car, authorities said.
The suspected has been identified as Kevin Cataneo Salazar, who apparently killed Ryan out of hate.
The suspect barricaded himself inside a home in the city of Palmdale for several hours, but later surrendered and weapons were recovered, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told a news conference.
Luna said authorities have not yet determined a motive for the killing of 30-year-old Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer on Saturday evening. He described the situation as “fluid” and said there could be more arrests but that he believes the suspect is the person who killed the deputy.
“I feel extremely confident that we have the right person in custody,” Luna said.
“Our deputy was in uniform in a marked black-and-white police vehicle right in front of the station,” Luna said. “Why did he do this? I have no idea. Was he targeted? I’m assuming he was but … our intent is to find out.”
Hundreds attended a vigil outside the Palmdale sheriff’s station Sunday for the third-generation law-enforcement officer who had got engaged just four days before he was shot and killed.
On Monday, Luna read a statement from Clinkunbroomer’s family, saying he was dedicated, hardworking and proud to serve alongside his colleagues.