Suspect Charged in Ambush Killing of LA Sheriff’s Deputy

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon has officially filed charges against Kevin Cataneo Salazar in connection with the ambush killing of sheriff’s deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, which occurred last Saturday. Salazar was taken into custody on Monday morning following the fatal shooting.

During a press conference held on Wednesday, Gascon revealed the charges against Salazar, which include murder, along with special circumstance charges related to the killing of a peace officer, lying in wait, and discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle.

On Wednesday, Salazar entered a dual plea, declaring himself not guilty and also not guilty by reason of insanity in response to the murder charge, as reported by Fox 11.

Ryan Clinkunbroomer, a 30-year-old field training officer, was discovered in his patrol car with a gunshot wound outside the sheriff’s Palmdale station. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Luna, who spoke at a press conference in Palmdale on Monday, expressed his assurance that the district attorney’s office would vigorously pursue the case. Although Gascon was not present at the press conference, he later conveyed his commitment to Fox News Digital, stating, “My office will aggressively prosecute the suspected killer for this cowardly and senseless attack.”

Gascon emphasized the cooperation between his office and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, assuring that updates on the case’s progress would be communicated to the community.

Notably, Gascon has faced criticism for his perceived leniency towards certain criminal justice policies.

Jonathan Hatami, a deputy district attorney challenging Gascon in the upcoming election, highlighted some of Gascon’s policies, stating, “When George Gascón came into office, he ordered all prosecutors to remove special circumstances on all current cases, including those involving the murder of a police officer on duty. Gascón also ordered all prosecutors to remove gun use allegations on all cases.”

Hatami argued for a case-by-case approach, asserting that in particularly heinous murder cases that deeply impact the community, justice requires the full extent of the law to be applied.

Richard Pippin, president of the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS), placed the responsibility for the case’s outcome squarely in Gascon’s hands, expressing hope that Gascon would fulfill his commitment to Sheriff Luna and ensure such a tragedy does not befall another family.

This article contains contributions from Fox News’ Louis Casiano.