BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A preliminary hearing for Kern County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Patrick McNeill, who is accused of driving under the influence and crashing twice in the same day, has been postponed until December, according to Kern County court records.
McNeill faces 10 charges, including felony charges related to driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury. He was charged by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office in June 2025. The district attorney’s office said enhancements related to having a high blood alcohol content and causing injury to more than one victim were also alleged.
The case stems from March 16, 2025, when officers were called around noon to a non-injury traffic crash at Stockdale Highway and Allen Road. Police said that during the investigation, the driver, McNeill, was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol. His vehicle was impounded, and he was issued a citation for driving under the influence. During the investigation, McNeill was determined to be an off-duty lieutenant with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
Nearly two hours later, around 2 p.m., Bakersfield police officers responded to a hit-and-run crash at Coffee Road and Seventh Standard Road. During the investigation, McNeill was identified as the driver who left the scene.
McNeill was found at the Lerdo Jail and, after a brief stand-off, was taken into custody.
The Kern County District Attorney’s Office conducted additional investigation to determine the full extent of injuries to parties in both crashes. The district attorney’s office said in a release at that time, “Such an investigation was necessary to determine appropriate criminal charges.”
McNeill faces a misdemeanor count relating to resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer in lawful performance of his or her duties.
McNeill is due in court Dec. 1, 2026, for a preliminary hearing, court records show.