BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Bakersfield police arrested two suspects, an 18-year-old man and a 16-year-old juvenile, on Thursday for their alleged roles in an armed robbery over a gold chain.
At around 6:30 p.m. on July 2, 2026, officers responded to the area of White Lane and Ashe Road regarding a report of an armed robbery.
Police said their investigation revealed that the victim arranged to meet with the two suspects through the OfferUp marketplace app to buy or sell a gold chain. During the transaction, the juvenile allegedly forcibly took the chain before completing the transaction and fled.
As the victim ran after the suspect, the juvenile pulled out what appeared to be a gun, said BPD. Cell phone footage captured the incident, allowing officers to identify the suspect.
Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) officers used Flock Safety cameras in the area to find the suspect’s vehicle in the 600 block of Hosking Avenue. A traffic stop was initiated by officers, but the suspect allegedly failed to yield, leading to a pursuit.
In the pursuit, “stop sticks” were used at four locations by BPD Patrol, Traffic Unit and Impact officers. Eventually, the suspect’s vehicle became disabled near California Avenue and Q Street. Alvarado and the juvenile were arrested shortly afterward.
After the incident, SEU officers served a search warrant in the 600 block of Hosking Avenue. Investigators said they found a replica firearm believed to have been used in the robbery.
During the pursuit, police discovered the suspect’s vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run crash resulting in minor injuries.
Alvardo is charged with multiple felony charges, including robbery, conspiracy, and participation in a criminal street gang.
The 16-year-old is charged with multiple felony charges, including robbery, felony evading, hit-and-run, and participation in a criminal street gang.