On January 2, 2021, at about 3:38 p.m., Deputies from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 2000 block of Oregon Street for a shooting. When Deputies arrived, they located Ruben Jose Vega suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Ruben Vega was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Homicide Detectives responded and assumed the investigation. Through their investigation, they developed probable cause to arrest Michael Alex Gonzalez (age 33) for the murder of Ruben Vega.
On February 8, 2021 at 7:10 p.m., Kern County Sheriff’s Office Deputies located Gonzalez inside of a vehicle traveling near Haley Street and Columbus Street. Deputies initiated a traffic stop and a short pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended approximately 15 seconds later when the suspect vehicle collided with two unrelated vehicles. Gonzalez and another male passenger ran from the vehicle after the collision. Gonzalez was apprehended after a short foot pursuit and booked into the Kern County Jail for murder. Deputies also located a firearm at the scene.
The second passenger who ran from the vehicle is still outstanding. Deputies have identified him as Michael Gonzalez’s brother, Andrew Gonzalez. Andrew Gonzalez has an outstanding warrant for being an accessory to murder. Gonzalez is 38 years old, 5’9” and 180 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. Please see the attached photo.
Gonzalez is considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, do not approach him. Anyone with information should contact KCSO at 661-861-3110, Secret Witness at 661-322-4040, or 911.
