Officer Involved Shooting Leaves One Suspect, One K9 Unit Dead

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at approximately 8:43 PM, officers of the Bakersfield Police Department attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a vehicle that had previously been reported as stolen. The stolen vehicle was traveling on Highway 58 and failed to yield to the officers. The vehicle left the roadway, traveled up the south embankment of Highway 58, through a chain-link
fence and became disabled. The driver and sole occupant fled from the vehicle on foot.

With the assistance of the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Helicopter (Air-1), the adult male suspect was located in the rear yard of a residence in the 2000 block of Feliz Drive.

As a police K-9 Handler and his K-9 partner approached the suspect, the suspect opened fire, striking the K-9. Two officers returned fire, striking the suspect. Medical aid was provided to the suspect, despite this, the suspect was declared deceased at the scene. The K-9 was transported to an area emergency veterinarian hospital; however, the police K-9 succumbed to
his injury and was declared deceased.

A firearm was recovered from the suspect. Two officers equipped with body-worn cameras discharged their firearms.

The circumstances of this incident are currently under investigation and more details will be forthcoming as this investigation develops.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.