On March 13, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m. Kern County Sheriff’s Office received a report of domestic violence in the 16000 block of Highway 178 in Weldon, CA.
Deputies responded to the area and located the suspect’s vehicle traveling West on Highway 178. When deputies attempted an enforcement stop, he changed directions and fled East. CHP responded and took lead of the pursuit.
A pursuit ensued, during which the suspect, 30 year old Micheal Kemmeter collided into another vehicle. Following the collision, Kemmeter barricaded himself inside his disabled vehicle.
Deputies attempted to make contact with Kemmeter. During the incident, an officer-involved shooting occurred.
Kemmeter was not injured in the incident and was arrested for attempted murder, brandishing a firearm at a peace officer, spousal abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, hit and run resulting in property damage, resisting and obstructing a peace officer with violence, reckless evading and reckless evading while driving the wrong way.
Deputies were not injured in the incident.
Detectives responded to the scene to assume the investigation.
Kern County Sheriff's Office detectives investigate any use of deadly force by any member of the department. Investigations are submitted to the Kern County District Attorney's Office for criminal review.
Further information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661)861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness at (661)322-4040.
