Originally published as a Bakersfield Police Department Facebook post –
“This is a community update regarding the investigation into the officer involved shooting on November 30, 2020. Today the investigation has reached a point where more information can be provided.
This is still an on-going investigation. Conclusions regarding the officers actions will not be made until all of the facts are known and the investigation is completed.
On November 30th, 2020 at about 3:16 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of Truxtun Avenue, regarding a report of a subject having stolen a construction loader vehicle being used for roadwork. While still enroute to the call for service, updates were obtained and broadcast to officers that the suspect had abandoned the construction vehicle and was circulating the area in a Red older model Nissan truck. Witnesses advised that the suspect was traveling slowly in the area and making no attempt to flee.
A responding Bakersfield Police Department two-officer patrol unit observed the described vehicle driving eastbound in the 2000 block of Truxtun Avenue, west of the responding officer’s location. The officer driving the patrol vehicle was stopped due to traffic in a westbound lane of travel. As the suspect vehicle traveled parallel to the officer it stopped in the roadway.
Immediately upon seeing the suspect vehicle stop the two officers exited their patrol vehicle.
The officers and suspect were separated by a grass median between west and eastbound lanes of travel on Truxtun Avenue. Based upon radio traffic and body camera audio, officers believed that the suspect was in possession of a firearm.
Both officers fired at the suspect and the suspect was struck. He was removed from his vehicle, first aid was rendered and he was subsequently transported to an area hospital. Prior to being transported by medical aid the suspect repeatedly made suicidal statements. He is expected to survive his injury.
Multiple citizen witnesses to the incident advised investigators that they observed the suspect, pointing what they believed to be a firearm at officers.
No firearm from the suspect or suspect vehicle was located. Investigators located this flashlight in the suspect’s vehicle. The item appears consistent in size and shape to what has been described. A methamphetamine smoking pipe was also located in the suspect’s vehicle.
As the investigation continues to unfold, the body worn camera of all of the involved officers will be released to the public, as we have done all year.
At the conclusion of the investigation the details will be submitted to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office for independent review.
OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING – UPDATE was last modified: January 5th, 2023 by
Categories:
Kern
