Murder charges have been filed against Kevin Cataneo Salazar in the killing of Los Angeles Sheriff’s (LASD) Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.

Salazar, 29, entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, with a following court date scheduled for Tuesday, November 7.

“My heart is broken during this incredibly difficult time for the family of Deputy Clinkunbroomer and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,” Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. “This senseless act of violence is an affront to the values of justice and peace that we hold dear in our community. Our law enforcement partners worked tirelessly to investigate and find the alleged individual responsible for murdering Deputy Clinkunbroomer. I want to assure you that my office’s Crimes Against Peace Officer’s Division is committed to bringing to justice the person responsible for this heinous crime.”

It is alleged that Salazar shot into a police vehicle outside of the Palmdale Sheriff’s station while at a red light. Clinkunbroomer was found shot inside the vehicle and rushed to a local hospital before being pronounced dead.

A manhunt for the suspect ensued, which led investigators to the 37700 block of Barrinson Street in Palmdale, where a gray Toyota Corolla was seen, matching the description of the car at the scene of the crime. Salazar was taken into custody without further incident.

It is alleged that Salazar used a .22-caliber revolver and was lying in wait.

He is being held without bail and facing life in prison without parole.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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