Los Angeles County deputy shot and killed after being ‘ambushed’ in his patrol car

A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was “ambushed” and killed in his patrol car by an unknown person Saturday. Authorities suspect the deputy was targeted simply because “he was in uniform.”

Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, 30, was found unconscious in his car at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters at a late-night news conference. The bystander called 911, and Clinkunbroomer was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound. He did not survive.

Authorities have not identified a suspect. Luna said that no theory had been eliminated for the shooter’s motive but that it appeared the deputy was targeted because “he was in uniform.”

“He was just driving down the street, and for no apparent reason — and we’re still looking into the specific reasons — somebody decided to shoot and murder him,” Luna said.

Clinkunbroomer had just left the Palmdale station, and his car was found nearby at the intersection of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q. Law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation said Sunday that a video clip that shows a car pulling alongside the patrol car before it speeds away is a focus in the investigation.