A Los Angeles sheriff’s deputy was “ambushed” and killed Saturday night time whereas in his patrol automobile by an unknown suspect. Authorities suspect that the MP was focused just because he “was carrying a army uniform.”
Deputy Ryan Klinkenbrumer, 30, was discovered unconscious in his automobile at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sheriff Robert Luna informed reporters in a late-night information convention. A passerby referred to as 911 and Klinkenbrumer was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound however didn’t survive.
Authorities haven’t but recognized the gunman. No principle relating to the suspect’s motive has been dominated out, but it surely seems the deputy was focused as a result of he “was carrying a army uniform,” Luna mentioned.
“He was driving down the road and for no obvious cause — and we’re nonetheless trying into the particular causes — somebody determined to shoot and kill him,” Luna mentioned.
Klinkenbrumer had simply left the Palmdale station and his automobile was discovered close by on the intersection of Sierra Freeway and Q Avenue. Regulation enforcement officers aware of the investigation informed NBC Information Sunday {that a} video displaying a automobile driving alongside the patrol automobile earlier than dashing away is presently the main focus of the investigation.
The supply mentioned there are few leads within the case as investigators marvel if the deputy was focused or if the gunman was searching for anybody carrying a army uniform and driving a patrol automobile to assault. Investigators are looking for further video which will match what seems to be the second of the ambush.
“Investigators are within the early levels of this investigation and are asking for the general public’s assist to apprehend this suspect,” Luna mentioned throughout the press convention on Saturday. “So I am going to preserve writing my notes, however I am going to pause. We actually want your assist.”
Richard Pippin, president of the Los Angeles Police Deputies Affiliation, referred to as Klinkenbrumer’s loss of life an “unjustified execution” in a press release issued Sunday.
“All of us endure immeasurable loss when cowardly killings like these are dedicated,” Pepin mentioned. “We’ve been left to endure this incomprehensible tragedy. I guarantee you that each legislation enforcement official within the area is targeted on relentlessly pursuing these criminals till justice is achieved.”
Klinkenbrummer, a third-generation MP, has spent the previous yr and a half as a subject coaching officer. Luna described the position as reserved for the “better of the perfect” within the division.
“He embodied the values of braveness, selflessness and an absolute dedication to justice,” Luna mentioned. “Our deputy was a faithful member of the family and treasured member of our neighborhood who was cowardly shot whereas working tirelessly to serve our neighborhood this night.”
Luna mentioned that Klinkenbrumer obtained engaged simply 4 days earlier than his loss of life. Along with his fiancée, Klinkonbrumer is survived by his dad and mom and grandparents.
Deputies gathered together with different county staff and neighborhood members to kind a file Procession where Klinkenbrumer’s body was carried Saturday night time. Klinkenbrumer was wrapped in an American flag as he was led from the hospital to the coroner’s automobile.
This text was initially printed on NBCNews.com