Apprehended after standoff
Following a pivotal Sept. 16 press conference, the Palmdale community demonstrated exceptional unity and commitment to justice. Their cooperation and valuable information would lead to a significant development in the murder investigation of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.
“Early this morning [Monday], our highly specialized Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Special Enforcement Bureau executed a warrant at the residence of the prime suspect, Kevin Cataneo Salazar, located in the 37600 block of Barrinson Street, Palmdale.
“When the family exited the residence, the suspect opted to barricade himself and initially refused to exit. He remained barricaded as Special Enforcement Bureau deputies were engaged for an extended duration, working diligently to de-escalate the situation. They employed various techniques, including the utilization of hostage negotiators, in their efforts to resolve the standoff.
“Because those special enforcement deputies took the time to try to de-escalate this and take this individual peacefully into custody when they knew that our deputy was not afforded the same opportunity he never gave our deputy a chance, but yet our men and women gave this individual a chance to take him in the custody peacefully.”-Sheriff Luna
“During this operation, investigators successfully recovered a substantial amount of firearms and identified the vehicle of interest depicted in yesterday’s flier.
“The suspect, 29-year-old Kevin Cataneo Salazar of Palmdale, was promptly apprehended and transported to the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, where he will remain in custody pending further investigation.” Salazar has since pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
Luna confirmed that this case will be meticulously presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations, underscoring our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice to the fullest extent of the law. Further, the sheriff expressed profound gratitude to the Palmdale community members whose courage and cooperation provided the critical leads necessary for the suspect’s arrest. Their dedication to the safety and well-being of their community has proven invaluable.
Luna extended his sincere appreciation to the relentless efforts of the homicide investigators who tirelessly coordinated with numerous members of the Detective Division throughout this investigation. He also acknowledged the dedication and swift response of all department personnel who rose to the occasion during this tragic event.
The Clinkunbroomer family shared their heartfelt sentiments about Ryan’s unwavering dedication and commitment to the Sheriff’s Department:
“Our son Ryan was a dedicated, hard-working Deputy Sheriff, who enjoyed working here at the Palmdale Station. He was proud to work along the side of his partners, that he considered brothers and sisters as he sacrificed daily to better the community that he served. Ryan made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so. Ryan was recently engaged to the love of his life. As our firstborn son, Ryan will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the Sheriff’s Department as a whole. Please keep Ryan’s family friends and colleagues in your prayers and respect everyone’s privacy during our time of mourning. Thank you from the bottom of my heart the Clinkunbroomer family.” – Statement from the Clinkunbroomer Family
Sheriff Luna went on to extend thanks to the city of Palmdale, the city of Lancaster, the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS), Board of Supervisor Katherine Barger, Mayor Laura Bettencourt, and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their unwavering support and collaborative efforts.
Board of Supervisor Kathryn Barger conveyed her appreciation for the diligent efforts and unwavering commitment displayed by all involved in the pursuit of the suspect.
“We have the best and the brightest working and last night I had the honor of meeting some of them and I knew they were going to catch the suspect,” Barger said..
Palmdale Mayor Laura Bettencourt expressed her gratitude to the community for their collective efforts in providing valuable information that may have contributed to the suspect’s apprehension.
“Thank you to the community everyone that was here last night after the vigil, lots of calls came in from the community, we united finding the suspect,” Bettencourt said
Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500, attention Detective G. Carrillo or Detective D. Machuca. You can provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
