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1300+Bakersfield police are asking residents to be on alert after receiving multiple reports of two men approaching people at car crash scenes and attempting to gather personal information.
What BPD Is Warning Locals About the Two Men
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, two men have been showing up at the accident sites of multiple crashes across the city. The men reportedly approach drivers and others involved in the crashes, ask questions, and try to obtain personal identifying information.
Police have identified the two men as 29-year-old Gianfranco Lopez Butron and 33-year-old Jean Pierre Jara Lopez.
Unclear Motive, So Remain Vigilant
Officers say the men have claimed the information collection is tied to insurance purposes, but they have not offered any further explanation or documentation to back that up. When officers or other authorities arrive at a crash scene where the men are present, the pair reportedly leaves before further questions can be asked.
BPD says the true purpose behind the information-gathering is still unknown, and the incidents remain under active investigation.
Police Urge Caution
The department is warning Bakersfield residents not to hand over personal or insurance details to individuals who are not confirmed first responders, tow operators, or insurance representatives at a crash scene. Officials cited concern that the information could be misused if it fell into the wrong hands.
Anyone who has information about this investigation, or who has been approached by either of these men, is asked to contact the BPD Traffic Unit at (661) 326-3882, or the main Bakersfield Police Department line at (661) 327-7111.
What This Means for Potential Crash Victims
Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough without also worrying about strangers trying to collect personal details for unknown reasons. There are key steps to take to effectively handle a car accident claim.
Crash victims in Bakersfield should remember the following:
- Only share insurance and contact information with the other driver(s) involved, law enforcement, or your own insurance company.
- Be cautious of anyone at the scene who is not wearing identifiable emergency responder, tow company, or insurance company credentials.
- If someone leaves the scene when police arrive, that is a red flag worth reporting.
Injured in a Bakersfield Crash? Attorney Jeff Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Bakersfield, it’s important to protect your rights and your personal information from the start. The Bakersfield car accident lawyers at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer help local crash victims navigate insurance claims, medical bills, and legal options after an accident, so you don’t have to face it alone.
Contact our Bakersfield office today for a free consultation.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.