Slain deputy's family files $20 million claim against LA County Sheriff's Department
PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Attorneys for the family of a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy who was shot and killed in Palmdale have filed a claim for $20 million.
They announced the claim during a press conference Tuesday morning. Attorneys say the department's deputies are overworked and not protected, and believe that's one of the reasons for Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer's death.
"We're here to help bring community awareness to a problem that the department has known for years and the Board of Supervisors has known for years," said attorney Brad Gage.
The 30-year-old was killed in September, just days after proposing to his girlfriend.
He was shot just outside the Palmdale Sheriff's Station at the corner of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q. Sheriff Robert Luna said a Good Samaritan found the deputy unconscious inside the vehicle.
Clinkunbroomer was quickly rushed to the Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster where he later died.
"Ryan was a field training officer, so for several years, he taught brand new deputies awareness, threat assessment and how to properly respond to a threat, all of which didn't happen," said his father Michael Clinkunbroomer. "So it's very clear to us had he not been fatigued and exhausted, he would have responded safely and he would be here today."
The family says the county should have provided the sheriff's department a larger budget to provide more resources, preventing deputies from being overworked.
"I don't want any parent to ever have to sit at a Thanksgiving or holiday dinner with someone missing, like we had to this year," said Ryan's mother, Kim Clinkunbroomer. "I miss my son so very much."
Given the Clinkunbroomers come from a four-generation law enforcement family, filing a claim against the very department they've dedicated their lives to is a bitter pill, but they add it must be done.
"It's nothing I would wish on anybody because it's reopening wounds and it's starting all over again, but it needs to be done," said Kim.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued the following statement on the filing of the claim.
"My heart goes out to Deputy Clinkunbroomer's parents and loved ones who have been robbed of the joy that he brought to their lives. Families in mourning have a right to express their grief. I remain committed to supporting Ryan's family and fellow deputies-nothing will interfere with that."
Eyewitness News has reached out to the sheriff's department for a comment but has not received a response.
Meanwhile, a 29-year-old was arrested for the ambush-style shooting. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
