Several people have been arrested and detained for questioning in connection with the discovery of a burned body found in an orange orchard southwest of Mettler.

On Friday, Bakersfield police arrested one man who led them on a short pursuit to H and 2nd streets, and four others were detained for questioning after they were found at a home on Bank Street near Holtby Drive.

Sgt. Joe Grubbs says they received the information about the death from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. The case was turned over to BPD at around 4 p.m. Thursday.

“Their investigation led to an address in the 13100 block of Evening Breeze Avenue, where this homicide had taken place,” he said.

Two were arrested on unrelated warrants and one was arrested for homicide at the home on Thursday night. Sheriff’s deputies detained five adults and a child.

Friday’s standoff triggered a lockdown at Roosevelt Elementary School.

The name of the victim has not been released.The victim’s body was found May 3.

Police say they’re also looking for another suspect that may be connected with the murder. Bakersfield police have secured a homicide arrest warrant for 25-year-old Matthew Mejia.

Mejia’s photo can be viewed here. (Photo courtesy of the Bakersfield Police Department)

– Scott Thackrey