Carjacking and Kidnapping Suspect Leads Police on High-Speed Pursuit
BAKERSFIELD —A man who led deputies on a wild car chase through the streets of Bakersfield on Monday evening, is behind bars after crashing his vehicle into a tree.
Jamie Gomez, 23, of Arvin, was booked into the Kern County Jail Central Receiving Facility for carjacking, kidnapping, criminal threats, felony evading, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition and resisting arrest. Gomez, who also had an outstanding post supervised release warrant, is being held without bail.
According to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when deputies responded to a carjacking and kidnapping with a firearm that occurred in the 6900 block of Niles Street at around 6 p.m. on Feb. 17.
“While talking to the victim, officers from the California Highway Patrol were able to spot the suspect vehicle in the area of Eucalyptus and Pioneer Drives,” said Ray Pruitt, public information officer for KCSO. “However, when the officers tried to stop the vehicle, it sped off toward the City of Arvin.”
Officers said that the vehicle then turned back toward Bakersfield, where deputies took over the pursuit, which according to authorities reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. After running several stop signs and stop lights, the pursuit ended when Gomez lost control of the vehicle he was driving and ran into an orange tree in the area of Breckenridge Road and Edison Road. He then bolted from the vehicle, and was later spotted by the sheriff’s helicopter, hiding in an orange tree.
“The suspect resisted arrest, but was eventually taken into custody with the help of a canine unit,” Pruitt said.
Gomez received minor injuries and was treated and released from Kern Medical Center.
Read more:
BakersfieldNow: Arvin man arrested after 100 mph chase
KERO: Suspect leads CHP, BPD on 100 mph chase
