Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that left a man dead in south Bakersfield, and the Chief’s son has been put on paid leave.

Sergeant Ryan Kroeker says it began with a traffic stop Saturday night on Planz Road near South H Street and a foot pursuit by Officer Warren Martin. The suspect got out of the car, started running away, then was shot in the back.

Kroeker says a gun was recovered they believe belonged to the suspect, who’s been identified by family as 20-year-old Augustus Crawford. Police Chief Lyle Martin has recused himself from the investigation.

Chuck Alan