Police automobiles block off a road the place a sheriff’s deputy was shot whereas in his patrol automotive in Palmdale, Calif. on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.

Richard Vogel/AP

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Richard Vogel/AP

Police automobiles block off a road the place a sheriff’s deputy was shot whereas in his patrol automotive in Palmdale, Calif. on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.

Richard Vogel/AP

PALMDALE, Calif. — Authorities requested for the general public’s assist and provided a $250,000 reward as investigators searched Sunday for the assailant who shot and killed a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy as he sat in his patrol automotive at an intersection.

Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, 30, died at a hospital after being discovered unconscious within the car whereas on responsibility round 6 p.m. Saturday within the metropolis of Palmdale, Sheriff Robert Luna mentioned.

Luna mentioned he believed the taking pictures was a “targeted attack.” But the motive, and whether or not Clinkunbroomer or the division typically was the goal, was not but recognized.

“Without warning, he was murdered while serving our community,” an emotional Luna mentioned at a Sunday information convention throughout which he urged any potential witnesses to contact detectives. “Please, I beg you. Somebody has information. Make things right.”

This undated picture offered by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department exhibits its Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.

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AP

This undated picture offered by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department exhibits its Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.

AP

The division launched grainy surveillance video of a dark-colored sedan that pulled alongside the patrol automotive within the moments earlier than the taking pictures. Luna mentioned investigators consider the “vehicle of interest” is a grey Toyota Corolla manufactured between 2006 and 2012.

Clinkunbroomer was discovered close to the intersection of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q in Palmdale by an individual Luna recognized as a “good Samaritan” who alerted personnel on the metropolis’s sheriff’s station.

The deputy was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster, the place he was handled for a gunshot wound and ultimately died.

“We’re going to catch the person who did this,” Luna mentioned Saturday evening. “Because every resource that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has to bear is going after you.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom known as the killing “horrific, unconscionable, and shocking.” He ordered flags on the state capitol flown at half-staff in honor of Clinkunbroomer.

Clinkunbroomer, who transferred to the Palmdale station in July 2018, was a third-generation officer who adopted his grandfather and father into the sheriff’s division, Luna mentioned.

“In this time of mourning, we honor this legacy and send our deepest sympathies to Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s fiancée, his loved ones, and the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,” Newsom mentioned in a press release Sunday. “Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s devotion to community and country will never be forgotten.”

The sheriff mentioned his division was working carefully with representatives from the town of Palmdale, about 61 miles (98 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles.

“Palmdale loves the sheriff’s deputies, and the deputies take very good care of Palmdale and love our community back,” Mayor Laura Bettencourt mentioned on the information convention. “The person that did this is a coward. and they will be caught.”

“It is sickening, heartbreaking news,” Republican state Sen. Scott Wilk, who represents Palmdale, posted Saturday night on X, the platform previously referred to as Twitter.

A vigil for Clinkunbroomer was scheduled for Sunday night exterior the Palmdale sheriff’s station.