BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Six people were arrested, and a juvenile was put into protective custody following community concerns about open-air drug use and other quality-of-life concerns in a homeless encampment in east Bakersfield.
On Nov. 21, 2025, the Bakersfield Police Department’s Impact Unit conducted a targeted enforcement operation in response to quality-of-life complaints from residents and business owners in the area of Oswell and Auburn streets.
The operation addressed concerns such as open-air drug use, illegal camping, and loitering. During the enforcement, officers found a juvenile, previously reported as a runaway in July, living in an encampment. The juvenile was safely placed into protective custody.
Additionally, one individual requested social services and received housing assistance from Flood Ministries.
Photo: Bakersfield Police Dept.
Six people were arrested for trespassing and outstanding warrants.
Those arrested were identified as:
Gregory Medlock, 31Matthew Barnes, 35Steven Finigan, 39Richard Weighill, 31Jason Blunt, 40Mark Brouillette, 58
The operation also led to the clearing of two encampments by the Code Enforcement’s Rapid Response Team and the seizure of three dogs by the Animal Control Unit.
Lieutenant Nicole Anderberg, who oversees the BPD’s Impact Unit, emphasized the department’s commitment to partnering with community members and businesses affected by such behaviors. “We are here to partner with community members and businesses who suffer damage and disruption when these types of behavior occur,” Anderberg said.
The department encourages participation in the “Trespass Enforcement Authorization” program, which assists in enforcing against unauthorized individuals loitering or camping on private property. The program is free and easy to join, with more information available through the Bakersfield Police Department by e-mailing them at Trespassletters@bakersfieldcity.us.
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Funding for these operations is provided by the Bakersfield Public Safety & Vital Services Measure, also known as Measure N.