BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A man died after a stabbing that started as a parking lot altercation and continued inside a Target on Ming Avenue Friday night. Police said a man was arrested for murder.
The Bakersfield Police Department said on Friday, September 11, 2026, at around 8:20 p.m., officers were called to the Target store, located at 2901 Ming Avenue, for a report of a stabbing that happened.
When officers arrived within three minutes, they found a man suffering from severe injuries.
Officers rendered medical aid until emergency medical personnel arrived.
Police said the victim was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
According to Bakersfield police, officers simultaneously found and detained a possible suspect without incident.
Police said on Saturday, September 12, 2026, homicide detectives arrested 33-year-old Brett Oleary for first-degree murder.
A knife believed to be used in the offense was found nearby.
Bakersfield police said the investigation found that the victim and suspect were involved in an altercation in the parking lot, which continued into the Target store, where the victim became injured.
The investigation is ongoing.
In a release, it said, “The Bakersfield Police Department wishes to thank the staff of Target and their Asset Protection team, as well as the Valley Plaza Mall security team for their assistance in this investigation.”
Investigators are asking anyone with information, video footage, or who may have witnessed this incident to call Detective Orozco at (661) 852-7007 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.