California Man Convicted in Deputy Ambush Shooting

A 32-year-old man from California has been found guilty in a drive-by ambush that resulted in the death of a Los Angeles Sheriff’s Deputy. Kevin Salazar was convicted of murdering Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in 2023. The conviction followed a week-long trial.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that Salazar followed Clinkunbroomer as he drove from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station. He opened fire less than a block from the station, using a .22 revolver. Clinkunbroomer was in uniform in his marked patrol car waiting at a red light at the time. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.

Authorities arrested Salazar at his Palmdale home two days after the incident. A standoff ensued, part of which was captured on video. He was charged and later convicted of murder with special circumstances, which included targeting a peace officer and firing from a vehicle.

“When a parent loses a child, there’s no name for it. It’s so painful, it’s so traumatic,” noted Brad Gage, the family’s attorney.

The motivation for the crime remains uncertain. There were no clear reasons for the attack, according to the family’s legal representative. Despite the guilty verdict, the court will now assess Salazar’s mental state to decide whether he will serve time in prison or be sent to a state mental institution.

Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s loss deeply affected his family and community. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman commented, “This brutal and senseless murder took the life of a dedicated deputy.”

Clinkunbroomer was engaged at the time of his death and came from a family of law enforcement officers. Both his grandfather and father served as sheriffs before him. In acknowledgment of his service, the county plans to name a Department of Parks and Recreation sports complex after him in January 2026.

In response to the tragedy, the deputy’s family pursued legal action, alleging that repetitive overtime work and short staffing contributed to the vulnerability that led to his ambush. Though the county was dismissed from the lawsuit, the family chose not to pursue further civil proceedings against Salazar.