BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — A Kern County supervisor is renewing calls for increased enforcement and safety improvements at Panorama Park after a woman was critically injured during a weekend incident that involved both a hit-and-run and gunfire.
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, officers responded to the area of Panorama Drive and River Boulevard around 2:51 a.m. Saturday regarding a 9-1-1 call with unknown circumstances.
Investigators say the incident stemmed from a large gathering at Panorama Park. During the gathering, a physical altercation broke out, resulting in several people standing in the roadway. Police say the victim was among those standing in the roadway when she was struck by a light-colored coupe that fled the scene.
Following the collision, gunfire was exchanged in the area. Investigators later determined the woman had also suffered a gunshot wound, though authorities do not believe she was the intended target of the shooting.
The woman remains hospitalized and is now listed in stable condition, according to BPD.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m., several hours after Panorama Park’s 10 p.m. curfew.
Kern County Supervisor Jeff Flores said the late-night gathering highlights the importance of enforcing existing park rules and continuing safety improvements at county parks.
“We have a county curfew in place at the parks. No one should be there after 10 p.m., much less 3 a.m.,” Flores said.
Flores said he has heard concerns from residents nearby and from people who regularly use the park.
“Panorama Park is a beautiful regional park,” Flores said. “People from throughout the area come and enjoy it. The walking path, the views, the nature — it’s a place to enjoy, and we want to keep it safe for everyone.”
According to Flores, county park rangers already patrol the area, while Bakersfield police typically respond to emergency incidents. However, he said he has reached out to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office seeking additional enforcement efforts.
“I’ve reached out to the sheriff’s office to ask for curfew enforcement, but also special targeted enforcement in terms of sweeps, to look for any bad actors that may have warrants or drugs or weapons,” Flores said.
He said those efforts would focus on curfew enforcement as well as targeted operations aimed at addressing criminal activity in county parks.
Flores also pointed to ongoing infrastructure improvements at Panorama Park. He said six lights have already been installed throughout the park, with additional lights scheduled to be installed by October.
“I think that lighting will help deter some of these behaviors,” Flores said.
The supervisor said he has been working on park safety improvements since taking office and said he remains open to exploring additional options, including cameras, if they would improve safety.
“I’ve not talked about adding cameras. At this point, we’re doing increased lighting, but I’m open to all things that can be made safer,” Flores said.
Flores encouraged residents to report suspicious activity and reminded the public that county parks close at 10 p.m.
“If anyone from the community sees anything that should be reported, please call 911, call law enforcement,” Flores said. “The quicker we can get there, the better.”
In a statement to Eyewitness News, the Bakersfield Police Department said both the hit-and-run and shooting remain under investigation. The department also said it will continue to monitor the area and increase patrols to help deter further incidents.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.