BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 23-year-old man will be arrested for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated following medical clearance after police say he ran a red light, causing a crash that killed the driver of another vehicle on California Avenue in Bakersfield early Sunday morning.
The Bakersfield Police Department said on June 28, 2026, at around 12:06 a.m., officers were called to the intersection of California Avenue and Chester Lane regarding a crash.
When officers arrived, they found a silver Mazda hatchback and a silver BMW sedan involved in the crash. Both vehicles were occupied by men, and neither vehicle had any passengers.
According to police, a preliminary investigation found that the BMW was traveling southbound on Chester Lane when the Mazda entered the intersection westbound against a red traffic signal, resulting in the crash.
Police said the driver of the BMW sustained severe injuries and was taken to a hospital where he later died.
The driver of the Mazda was identified as 23-year-old Gavin Mundschau of Bakersfield.
According to BPD, Mundschau was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested for DUI. He sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Police said after receiving medical clearance, Mundschau will be booked into the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Jail for charges including vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.