BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified a man who died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver as 36-year-old Joshua Scott Pierson of Bakersfield.
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The California Highway Patrol said on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at around 1:05 a.m., officers were called to Roberts Lane and Plymouth Avenue for a report of a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian.
CHP said a preliminary investigation found that a person was driving a black Honda Accord eastbound on Roberts Lane, west of Plymouth Avenue at an unknown rate of speed. At the same time, Pierson was crossing the eastbound lanes of Roberts Lane, outside of a marked crosswalk.
According to CHP, for reasons still under investigation, Pierson walked directly into the path of the Honda and was struck within the eastbound lanes of Roberts Lane, west of Plymouth Avenue. After the crash, the driver of the Honda Accord drove away from the scene at an unknown direction.
Pierson was pronounced dead at the scene.
CHP said through further investigation and corroboration of witness statements, investigators were able to gather information of the suspect vehicle’s whereabouts.
The suspect vehicle was found and seized. The driver of the Honda remains outstanding, according to CHP.
CHP said the use of alcohol and/or drugs is unknown at this time.
If you have any information or may have witnessed this incident, they are asked to call the CHP Bakersfield Area office at (661)396-6600.