City, State Remember Fallen Officer, Rewards Offered

All flags at city of Bakersfield buildings have been ordered at half-mast in memory of 26-year-old BPD officer David Nelson, who died at Mount Vernon Avenue and Panorama Drive during a pursuit.

City manager Alan Tandy said Friday was difficult at City Hall North.

“Everyone is extremely sad, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Nelson’s family and the men and women of the Bakersfield Police Department,” he said.

Gov. Jerry Brown has also ordered the flags at the Capitol to half-mast to honor Nelson, saying he and the First Lady were touched by the officer’s dedication and service. Attorney General Kamala Harris, Sen. Andy Vidak of Hanford and Assemblyman Rudy Salas of Bakersfield also expressed condolences.

$5,000 rewards are being offered by the Bakersfield Police Department and a private donor for information leading to the arrest of the person who led Nelson on the pursuit. BPD’s urging people to call the secret witness line at 322-4040 or the department’s main line at 327-7111.

– Anthony Pollreisz