BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A driver died after allegedly leading CHP on a high-speed pursuit that ended with the vehicle, a Land Rover, landing inside Lake Isabella and becoming fully submerged Saturday night. The driver and vehicle were recovered the following day.
The California Highway Patrol said on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at around 6:16 p.m., a CHP Bakersfield Area unit working within the Kern Valley area saw a traffic violation involving a white 2018 Land Rover and tried to initiate an enforcement stop near Scodie Avenue and Dunwood Street.
According to CHP, the driver of the white Land Rover failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued onto southbound Sierra Way.
CHP said a preliminary investigation found that the CHP unit continued to pursue the Land Rover on southbound Sierra Way. As the vehicle approached a curve in the roadway near Stine Cove at a high rate of speed, the driver of the Land Rover failed to safely negotiate the curve, according to CHP.
CHP said at around 6:21 p.m., the Land Rover left the roadway, traveled airborne over a dirt embankment, and entered Lake Isabella. As a result of the crash, the Land Rover became completely submerged, and the driver did not emerge.
Emergency personnel responded and initiated a search and rescue operation. On Sunday, May 24, 2026, at around 2:51 a.m., the Land Rover was recovered from the lake. The sole occupant/driver was found inside the vehicle and had sustained fatal injuries.
CHP said at this time, it is unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were factors in this crash.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call CHP Bakersfield at 661-396-6600.