The California Highway Patrol has identified a person who they believe struck and killed an Oildale man as he was walking alongside the right shoulder of Weedpatch Highway near Lamont.

Robert Rodriguez is with CHP and says investigators believe a white Ford Focus struck Michael Robertson on May 30 north of Hermosa Road.

“We located the suspect vehicle – it was abandoned, and we also identified the suspect driver as Rafael Basilio Garcia,” he said.

The family has posted a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Robertson’s death.

Those with more information in regard to Garcia’s whereabouts are being urged to call CHP’s Bakersfield office at (661) 864-4444.

– Anthony Pollreisz