A Los Angeles County deputy sheriff died Saturday from a gunshot wound received while inside a patrol car. He was alone and wearing his full uniform.
Ryan Clinkunbroomer, 30, was found with a gunshot wound by a concerned passerby around 6 p.m. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, the Antelope Valley Medical Center.
Sheriff Robert Luna reported that the shooter or shooters have not been captured, however, he has promised to use all available resources to find them. In a subsequent update, his department described the attack as an "ambush."
At approximately 6pm an LASD Palmdale Deputy was found in medical distress in front of Palmdale Sheriff Station.
Deputy has been transported to a local hospital. More information to follow.
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) September 17, 2023
"Our deputy left his family tonight to serve our community. He laid it all on the line to serve us. He didn't deserve this," the sheriff said. "Our deputy was a devoted family member and a cherished community member. He was shot in a cowardly way, while working tirelessly to serve our community this evening."
I want to let to our community know Deputy Clinkunbroomer left his family tonight to serve our community. He laid everything on the line to serve us. He wore a uniform just like other @LASDHQ deputies wear, driving in a police car, and he was senselessly murdered tonight. pic.twitter.com/Jqc2sSB63c
— Robert Luna (@LACoSheriff) September 17, 2023
Clinkunbroomer, who was currently a field training officer, was also a third-generation deputy. He had been in the department for eight years.
The investigation
Police have offered a $250,000 reward in exchange for information. One of the leads is a dark gray Toyota Corolla vehicle:
#LASD $250K Reward for Information leading to the arrest of person(s) for the murder of Deputy Clinkunbroomer - https://t.co/bT9fOqXAF4
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) September 18, 2023
It also reported to be analyzing a video widely circulated on social media, where a black car can be seen pulling up next to a patrol car:
BREAKING: LASD Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, a dedicated field training officer, was fatally shot in an ambush outside the Palmdale,California sheriff’s station. pic.twitter.com/JNKDxGud1I
— Policy Scoop (@policyscoop) September 17, 2023
Procession
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's official social media accounts shared photos and videos of the procession that his fellow officers organized as a tribute:
Procession for LASD Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer starting soon. We thank you all for your support and prayers.
To view it visit HQ Instagram LIVE pic.twitter.com/LnziCcqNhf
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) September 17, 2023
Attacks on officers
The National Fraternal Order of Police announced in early September that 272 officers have been shot in the line of duty in 2023. This is 24% more than in 2021 and 25% more than in 2020.
It also reported that there have been 83 ambush-style attacks against law enforcement officers so far this year. 101 officers have been shot in these attacks and 15 have been killed.
