BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Kern County deputies responded to a reported shooting, went on a pursuit with the alleged suspect, who later crashed on Highway 58. After the crash, a deputy-involved shooting happened, resulting in the suspect’s death Friday night.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office said on April 10, 2026, at around 5:30 p.m., deputies were called to the 500 block of South Pepper Drive for a report of a shooting.

When deputies arrived, the alleged suspect left the area. Deputies pursued the suspect for several minutes and ultimately terminated the pursuit due to unsafe driving conditions.

KCSO said deputies learned that the suspect’s vehicle was involved in a traffic crash on eastbound Highway 58, east of Weedpatch Highway at around 6 p.m. At the same time, a victim of a gunshot wound was privately taken to the hospital, and it was determined that it was in connection with the initial reported shooting, according to KCSO.

Deputies arrived at the scene of the crash and tried to make contact with the suspect. During the contact, a deputy-involved shooting happened.

Kern County deputies responded to a reported shooting, went on a pursuit with the alleged suspect, who later crashed on Highway 58. After the crash, a deputy-involved shooting happened, resulting in the suspect’s death Friday night. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX

Kern County deputies responded to a reported shooting, went on a pursuit with the alleged suspect, who later crashed on Highway 58. After the crash, a deputy-involved shooting happened, resulting in the suspect’s death Friday night. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX

KCSO said the suspect was declared deceased on the scene.

No deputies were injured in the deputy-involved shooting.

Kern County deputies responded to a reported shooting, went on a pursuit with the alleged suspect, who later crashed on Highway 58. After the crash, a deputy-involved shooting happened, resulting in the suspect’s death Friday night. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX

Kern County deputies responded to a reported shooting, went on a pursuit with the alleged suspect, who later crashed on Highway 58. After the crash, a deputy-involved shooting happened, resulting in the suspect’s death Friday night. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX

KCSO Homicide Detectives responded to the scene to assume the investigation.

Kern County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigate any use of deadly force by any member of the department. Investigations are submitted to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office for criminal review.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.