California Highway Patrol was dispatched at approximately 0442 hours for a report of a traffic collision on northbound Interstate 5, just north of State Route 43.
When CHP officers arrived, they located the vehicle which appeared to have veered off of the highway onto the righthand shoulder of northbound Interstate 5, colliding with a light pole, traveling through the east fence line and coming to rest in a field northeast of Interstate 5. The officers contacted the adult male driver who was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The subject claimed that he had a firearm, which caused the officers to back away from their approach. The subject exited the vehicle and began to approach the officers. The subject refused to comply with the officer’s commands and had a hand concealed as he continued to approach the officers.
An officer-involved shooting ensued.
Medical aid was administered by the officers and responding medical personnel, but the subject was pronounced dead at the scene.
No officers were injured.
The subject’s identity is pending notification of next of kin.
Kern County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation in partnership with the CHP and the Kern County District Attorney’s office.
KCSO is still in the early stages of the investigation, and will give more detailed information when the investigation is complete.
Anyone with information is urged to call The Kern County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center at 661-861-3110.
