The Bakersfield Police Department recently released dramatic body camera footage of a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on December 20, 2022. The incident unfolded near railroad tracks in Bakersfield, California, a city located approximately two hours north of Los Angeles.
Bodycam footage shows officers pursuing a suspect on foot
The incident began around 10:00 a.m. when officers already in the area for an unrelated call encountered an adult male near the railroad tracks, allegedly brandishing a firearm. Body camera footage clearly shows the suspect with what appears to be a gun in his hand. Officers fired shots, but the suspect fled the scene.
Multiple police vehicles at the scene of the shooting
A foot chase ensued, with multiple officers pursuing the suspect. Initial reports were conflicting regarding the suspect’s weapon, with some indicating a knife and others a gun. However, it was later determined that the suspect had a gun during the initial confrontation and brandished a knife while fleeing from officers.
As the chase progressed, additional police units responded to the area where the suspect was last seen. Body camera footage shows officers repeatedly ordering the suspect to drop his weapon. When he refused to comply, officers opened fire once again.
Officers with guns drawn during the incident
Following the shooting, officers administered medical aid to the suspect, but he tragically succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A total of eight officers discharged their firearms during the incident.
A subsequent investigation revealed an unfired bullet lodged in the suspect’s handgun. Notably, the bullet exhibited a firing pin strike on the primer, suggesting that the trigger had been pulled, but a malfunction prevented the weapon from firing.
The Bakersfield Police Department has confirmed that the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. As of the release of the body camera footage, the identity of the deceased suspect has not been disclosed.
