Bakersfield PD issues press release on recent gang and gun violence operations

“The below investigations are part of the ongoing efforts of your Bakersfield Police Department and law enforcement partners to proactively disrupt and impact the cycle of gang and gun violence affecting the community.

On April 22, 2021 at about 8:30 AM, officers responded to a peace disturbance in the 3000 block of Victoria Way. Responding officers attempted to contact a subject near the residence who fled on foot. Joseph Etcheverry (41) of Bakersfield was taken into custody without incident. Etcheverry was found to be on parole and in possession of a loaded, unregistered firearm. He was arrested and booked for felon in possession of a firearm, assault, parole violation and other associated charges.

On April 22, 2021 at about 3:39 PM, officers conducted a vehicle code enforcement stop in the 1300 block of Mount Vernon Avenue. One of the vehicle occupants, Isaiah Leiva (22) of Rosamond, was found in possession of multiple unregistered and un-serialized firearms. Tools commonly used to assemble firearms were also located in the vehicle. Leiva was arrested and booked for charges related to manufacturing unconventional and undetectable firearms.

On April 22, 2021 at about 10:41 PM, officers conducted a vehicle code enforcement stop in the 100 block of Weedpatch Highway. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded unregistered firearm and a pistol classified as an assault weapon with an illegal suppressor attached. Both firearms were not registered to the vehicle’s occupants. Fausto Cachu (19) and Leonel Santos (20), both of Bakersfield, were arrested and booked for firearms possession, assault weapon possession, and possession of a suppressor.

On April 25, 2021 at about 9:30 AM, officers responded to the 20 block of Kincaid Street regarding a subject shooting a firearm. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect, Francisco King (45) of Bakersfield. King was determined to be a felon, and was initially uncooperative before being taken into custody after a brief struggle with officers. He was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. During the investigation, it was revealed that King shot a dog in the backyard of a neighboring residence. The dog was transported to an emergency veterinary office, where it was ultimately euthanized due to the extent of injury. King was arrested and booked for felon in possession of a firearm, gang participation, resisting arrest and animal cruelty.

Anyone with information regarding these investigations are encouraged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.”