BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A man, who allegedly followed an ex-girlfriend and violated a retaining order, died following an officer-involved shooting on Highway 99 after allegedly leading Wasco Police and CHP officers on a pursuit early Monday morning.
The Wasco Police Department said it began Monday morning in the lobby of the police station on F Street.
Officers were dispatched to the lobby after a caller reported she was being followed by her ex-boyfriend. She identified the suspect and informed the dispatcher she had an active domestic violence restraining order against him, according to Wasco police.
Wasco police said officers confirmed the order, as well as prior reported violations, including one arrest and additional cases submitted to the District Attorney’s Office.
The victim drove to the police department for safety. As she went inside the lobby, the suspect arrived moments later. Before he could enter, an officer arrived on scene. The suspect then returned to his vehicle, described as a white SUV and drove off.
Wasco police said an officer tried a traffic stop, but the suspect did not yield, leading to a pursuit southbound on Highway 99.
The Wasco Police Department requested assistance from the California Highway Patrol, and a CHP unit took over near Highway 99 and California Avenue in the City of Bakersfield. CHP said it was after 5 a.m. when officers were in pursuit of the SUV.
After CHP assumed the pursuit, the two Wasco Police units disengaged. One officer returned to the city, while the other assisted CHP by conducting a traffic break on the freeway at their request.
A driver died following an officer-involved shooting on Highway 99 after allegedly leading Wasco Police and CHP officers on a pursuit early Monday morning. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
CHP said the suspected driver in the SUV fired a shot while officers were in pursuit at speeds of about 50 to 60 mph.
A driver died following an officer-involved shooting on Highway 99 after allegedly leading Wasco Police and CHP officers on a pursuit early Monday morning. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
At around Bear Mountain Boulevard, CHP said one of their units conducted a successful spike with the suspect’s vehicle, where they eventually pulled to the shoulder and became disabled.
CHP said that as the vehicle was getting to the right-hand shoulder, the suspect got out of his vehicle and fired shots at the officers, during which the officers fired back.
Officers immediately took custody of the suspect and provided medical care.
Medical services arrived on scene. The suspect later died from his injuries at around 5:50 a.m.
No officers were hurt.
CHP said there is no estimated time for reopening.
CHP said traffic is backed up to Taft Highway.
CHP is advising drivers to find another route. As of 4:20 p.m., southbound Highway 99 remains closed.
A driver died following an officer-involved shooting on Highway 99 after allegedly leading Wasco Police and CHP officers on a pursuit early Monday morning. PHOTO: Caltrans
Kern County Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives responded to the scene to assume the investigation.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are asked to call KCSO at 661-861-3110.