Man accused of killing deputy in Palmdale pleads not guilty due to insanity

The man accused of shooting Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer to death inside his patrol vehicle just steps from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s station in Palmdale over the weekend pleaded not guilty due to insanity on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

Kevin Cataneo Salazar, 33, appeared inside the Lancaster courtroom, restrained in a vest while standing in the defendant holding area as he listened to the proceedings.

Days earlier, Salazar found himself outside his home in Palmdale with his hands in the air after he had barricaded himself inside for several hours during a standoff with heavily armed deputies during his arrest.

Law enforcement officials say they believe Salazar was the man driving a Toyota Corolla that pulled up alongside Clinkunbroomer, sitting in the driver’s seat of his sheriff’s SUV in the middle of the day on Saturday, Sept. 17.

Video of the attack shows Clinkunbroomer had stopped the vehicle briefly, forcing the Corolla behind him to slow down. The driver then pulled around to the driver’s side of the sheriff’s vehicle — officials have said that’s when Salazar suddenly opened fire on Clinkunbroomer, hitting him at least once before fleeing.

Salazar’s family, who told reporters gathered outside their family home on Monday, Sept. 18, that he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, sat quietly in the courtroom gallery. Also inside were more than a dozen sheriff’s deputies.

When Salazar appeared, his family stood up attempting to see him. They were ordered to remain seated.

District Attorney George Gascon said he would speak about the case during a 3 p.m. press conference today, Sept. 20.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.