former cop enters plea to sex charges

former cop enters plea to sex charges

A former Stallion Springs police officer has pleaded no contest to sexually abusing a child. James Best. Jr., 54, entered the plea Wednesday to two felony charges after prosecutors say he abused the girl for several years. She was between the ages of 9 and 16. She came forward to authorities in 2023. Best admitted…Read More

alleged rock-thrower facing charges

alleged rock-thrower facing charges

A 19-year-old man is facing assault and vandalism charges after an alleged rock attack at a downtown Bakersfield McDonald’s. Police say Quintin Flight threw softball-sized rocks at a truck in the drive thru on F Street on May 21, shattering the driver’s window and causing cuts to the man’s face and neck. Flight allegedly laughed…Read More

bcsd superintendent steps down

bcsd superintendent steps down

The superintendent of the Bakersfield City School District is stepping down. Mark Luque announced his resignation during Tuesday’s board meeting. He pointed to ongoing disagreements with the board. Luque is a former BCSD student. He called the role as superintendent personal and thanked the community. He’ll stay on for the next ninety days while the…Read More

double homicide in oildale

double homicide in oildale

Kern County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a double homicide in Oildale. Deputies found Jasmine Hernandez, 31, and Anthony Reveles, 25, dead Monday morning at the Belcourt Apartment Complex in the 2600 block Park Meadow Drive. Deputies say both victims suffered gunshot wounds, however the sheriff’s office hasn’t confirmed a murder-suicide. Family members say the victims…Read More

heatwave coming to central valley

heatwave coming to central valley

A dangerous heat wave is heading for California with temperatures expected to top 105 degrees in parts of the Central Valley including Bakersfield. That National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch extending from Friday through Sunday morning. Officials warn the risk of heat-related illness is high, especially for kids, seniors, and outdoor workers.…Read More

fatal shooting in east bakersfield

fatal shooting in east bakersfield

Two men are dead following a shooting in east Bakersfield. Kern County Sheriff’s deputies responded around 9:40 p.m. Tuesday to reports of shotS fired in the area of Flower and Virginia streets where they found the men dead at the scene. There’s no word yet on the victims’ identities, suspects, or what prompted the shooting.…Read More

dog saves family during house fire

dog saves family during house fire

A family in southwest Bakersfield is safe today thanks to their dog. The Bakersfield Fire Department reports the dog named Lulu awakened the family when a two-alarm fire broke out at their house on Titanium Street at around 4 a.m. Sunday. Officials say the fire started on the outside of the house and caused significant…Read More

felony charges filed after fatal bike accident in wasco

felony charges filed after fatal bike accident in wasco

A 21-year-old woman is facing felony charges following a deadly hit-and-run accident that killed a bicyclist in Wasco. Deputies say Gabriella Garza was drunk when she hit Gloria Soto, 41, last November near the intersection of Sequoia Drive and Palm Avenue, then drove off. Surveillance video and car parts led investigators to Garza’s home where…Read More

san diego man arrested after frazier park stabbing

san diego man arrested after frazier park stabbing

A 30-year-old man from San Diego has been arrested after a stabbing in Frazier Park. Deandre Andrews was arrested Thursday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after Kern County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the 700 block of Avalon Trail to find Andrews had taken off in a pickup which was found later…Read More

man arrested after allegedly hitting gas station sign

man arrested after allegedly hitting gas station sign

A 20-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly driving under the influence after police say he crashed into a gas station sign in east Bakersfield. The California Highway Patrol says Derek Sanders hit the sign near the Fastrip at Niles Street and Mt. Vernon Thursday night. A front-seat passenger was moderately hurt and was taken…Read More