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1300+One man is dead, and another is still at large after an officer-involved shooting in Bakersfield on Wednesday night, according to the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD). Investigators are working to determine exactly what happened.
What Police Say Happened on Pacheco Road
The shooting happened around 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the 1000 block of Pacheco Road. Police say officers tried to make contact with two men.
Both men ran. During the encounter, officers shot one of them, and he died. Police said a firearm was recovered at the scene.
The Search for the Second Man
The second man has not been found. BPD says he was last seen wearing black pants and a black hoodie.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111. Police have not released the name of the man who died.
Body Cameras and Administrative Leave
BPD says the officers involved were wearing body cameras. They have been placed on administrative leave, which the department describes as standard under its policy.
The investigation is ongoing. The information released so far does not explain why officers tried to contact the men or how many shots were fired.
Legal Questions After a Police Shooting in California
Shootings involving law enforcement leave families and neighbors with serious questions. Who is responsible? What evidence exists? What rights do loved ones have?
Every case is different, and the facts released early on can change as the investigation moves forward.
Wrongful Death Claims
When someone dies because of another party’s actions, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. In California, these claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of death.
Claims against a government agency often follow much shorter timelines. A written claim may need to be filed within months, not years. That is why early legal guidance matters.
Preserving Evidence
Body camera footage, 911 recordings, surveillance video, and witness statements can all play a role in understanding an incident. Video can be lost or overwritten over time.
Neighbors or bystanders who recorded the scene should keep their original files and share them only with investigators or an attorney.
Talk to a Bakersfield Personal Injury Lawyer
If you lost a loved one or were hurt in an incident involving law enforcement, you do not have to sort through the next steps alone. Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer serves Bakersfield and Kern County families.
Our team can review what happened, explain your options, and answer your questions. Contact our personal injury lawyers today for a free case evaluation. You can also learn more about our personal injury practice.
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.