Full Notification

The following is a summary of the events that took place during an off-duty officer involved shooting on August 20, 2020. The summary is based on what is known through the investigation at this point; however, the investigation is ongoing.
 
On August 20, 2020, at about 6:28 PM, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and Bakersfield Police Department began receiving calls regarding a shooting at a business in the 10700 block of Highway 178 involving an off-duty Kern County Sheriff’s Office Deputy. The Bakersfield Police Department arrived on scene and located a deceased adult male in the parking lot of the business. The area was secured and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit responded to assume the investigation.
 
Through the investigation, it was learned that the suspect had been driving in the area erratically for some time, prior to the shooting, which generated several calls to the California Highway Patrol. During the erratic driving, the suspect’s vehicle lost a tire. The suspect pulled into a parking lot and sped to the rear area of the business where the vehicle became disabled. The suspect exited the vehicle and attempted to gain entry to the back door of the business however employees inside held the door closed. The suspect walked to the front of the business and quickly approached a vehicle in the parking lot. By this time, the suspect’s behavior had drawn the attention of several patrons eating outside in front of the business. Several patrons approached the suspect after he began attempting to break a window of the vehicle.
 
The suspect then removed a firearm from his waistband and brandished it at the patrons who had confronted him. An off-duty Deputy who was at the business noticed what was taking place and confronted the suspect. An exchange of gunfire occurred, and the suspect fell to the ground. The deputy began escorting a nearby patron away from the event and then continued to challenge the suspect, who was still armed with the firearm. Ultimately, the deputy discharged his firearm again at the armed suspect. A firearm was recovered from the suspect. Medical aid was summoned for the suspect; however, the suspect succumbed to his injuries on scene.
 
Neither the deputy, nor any patrons, were injured during this event. The deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Law enforcement spoke to numerous witnesses on scene; however, if anyone has additional information regarding this event, they are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (661)861-3110.