BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — CHP is looking for the driver of a Toyota Camry who, CHP says, ran off after hitting and killing a 35-year-old man early Saturday morning.
The California Highway Patrol said on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at around 12:23 a.m., officers were called to Fairfax Road at Paola Avenue for a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.
CHP said a preliminary investigation found that an unknown driver was driving a 2017 Toyota Camry southbound Fairfax Road, south of Pictoria Drive.
CHP said for reasons still under investigation, a man entered the roadway, outside of a crosswalk, directly in the path of the Toyota.
The Toyota struck the pedestrian, causing major injuries. Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified the man as 35-year-old Pablo Pizano Ortiz of Bakersfield.
CHP is looking for the driver of a Toyota Camry who, CHP says, ran off after hitting and killing a 35-year-old man early Saturday morning. PHOTO: KNN.NEWS
CHP said the unknown driver of the Toyota ran away from the scene and abandoned the Toyota on the northwest corner of Franklin Avenue at Lynwood Avenue.
CHP said at this time, it is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in this crash.
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Family of Ortiz spoke to Eyewitness News. Alejandro Yepez, the brother of Ortiz said, “So I just hope they do the right thing and come forward and just own up to their actions, face the consequences and know that justice is going to be served and he will be found or she will be found.”
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call the CHP Bakersfield Area office at 661-396-6600.