Hit and Run Suspect Identified in Fatal Southwest Bakersfield Crash

Hit and Run Suspect Identified in Fatal Southwest Bakersfield Crash

UPDATE 5/10: The suspect has been arrested. According to BPD, 31-year-old Eric Miles turned himself in on Monday, 5/09 to the Kern County Jail. His arrest warrant was for vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

The victim has been identified as 24-year-old Christopher Lee Reyes of Bakersfield.

The Bakersfield Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for 31-year-old Eric Miles of Bakersfield.

The full release can be seen below:

The driver of the SUV that fled the scene has been identified as Eric Miles, age 31, of Bakersfield. An arrest warrant has been issued for Miles who is wanted for Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence, Hit and Run Causing Death, and Driving with a Suspended License from prior DUI. Miles is also currently wanted for a Probation Violation.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Eric Miles is urged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 3277111.

ORIGINAL 5/4:

On Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022, at 8:45 P.M. the Bakersfield Police Department responded to the 6100 block of Ming Avenue regarding a major injury hit and run collision involving a Jeep and an SUV.

The driver of the Jeep, an adult male, sustained major injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The identity of the decedent will be released at a later time by the Kern County Coroner’s Office. The passenger of the Jeep, an adult female, sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the SUV was observed running away from the scene immediately after the collision.

The driver of the SUV was described as a Black male, approximately 6’0 tall with a heavy build.

Preliminary investigation revealed the driver of the SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed before colliding with the Jeep. Both vehicles sustained major damage and the adult female had to be extricated from the vehicle. Drugs and alcohol are unknown factors at this time as the driver of the SUV fled the scene. The Major Collision Investigations Team has assumed the investigation.

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