Man Accused Of Leading Fatal Police Chase Appears in Court

Bail is set at $600,000 for a man accused of leading a pursuit that ended with a crash that killed a Bakersfield police officer at Panorama Drive and Mount Vernon Avenue.

Lisa Green, Kern County’s district attorney, said Julian Hernandez faces five felonies after last Friday’s death of 26-year-old David Nelson.

“Count one charges a felony violation of evading a peace officer or flight resulting in death, count two is vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence,” she said.

Hernandez also pleaded not guilty to three gun-related charges Tuesday.

If convicted, Green said Nelson could face an enhanced sentence because of a prior felony conviction.

The 32-year-old’s family declined to comment following the arraignment.

– Anthony Pollreisz