CNN
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A 29-year-old man suspected of fatally shooting a Los Angeles County sheriff was arrested Monday after an hour-long standoff. But the motive for the murder remains a mystery.
Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna said Kevin Cattaneo Salazar is accused of ambushing and fatally shooting Deputy Ryan Klingonbrumer, 30.
LA County Sheriff’s Department
Deputy Ryan Klingonbrumer
Cataneo Salazar surrendered Monday after deputies deployed chemical agents at his home.
The sheriff described the deputy killer as a “coward” who took Klingonbrummer’s life “while sitting at a red light, waiting to serve our community.”
Klingonbrummer, who had been engaged four days before the shooting, was fatally wounded by a bystander around 6 p.m. Saturday near his sheriff’s station in Palmdale, about 60 miles north of Los Angeles.
“He was murdered – ambushed – by a coward,” Luna said.
“Our vice chancellor left this station in uniform to serve. And he was shot dead. Why? We don’t know yet. But we intend to find out.
Luna thanked the public for the valuable information that led to the capture of Catanio Salazar and praised his deputies for their hard work despite the great distress.
“I’m asking all of you … to continue to support our deputies here at the Palmdale station, the Lancaster station, and really all law enforcement,” Luna said outside the substation where he was killed.
“Our officers, our deputies go out every day and serve this community, putting their lives on the line. So we have a lot to be thankful for — we have the men and women who volunteer to do this, and the families who kiss them and pray for them to come home. In this case, Ryan’s family would never see him again.
Sarah Reingwirtz/The Orange County Register/AP
A vigil was held Sunday at the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station for Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Klingonbrumer.
More than a dozen families of law enforcement officers are grieving the loss of loved ones in ambush attacks this year.
There were 83 ambush attacks on law enforcement in 2023, with 101 officers shot — 15 killed, according to this month’s report. Fraternal Order of Police.
It was three years since the two Los Angeles murders on Saturday The deputies were ambushed and shot Sitting in their patrol vehicle at a railway station.
Klingenbrummer was a beloved member of the sheriff’s department and “started his career,” Luna said.
Both the stepfather and grandfather worked for the sheriff’s department, Luna said.
“Service ran through his veins. He embodied the values of courage, selflessness and commitment to justice,” Luna said. Facebook Mail. “Our partner is a devoted family member and a cherished community member.”
CNN
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna thanked the public and asked anyone with additional information to come forward.
The sheriff read a statement on behalf of Klingonbrummer’s family members, who asked for privacy as they grieved.
“Our son Ryan was a dedicated, hard-working Deputy Sheriff who worked here at the Palmdale Station,” the statement read in part.
“Ryan recently got engaged to the love of his life. As our first son, Ryan will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the Sheriff’s Department.
Although one suspect is in custody, Luna said the investigation is ongoing. He asked the public to provide photos, videos or information about the deadly bunker.
