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1300+A Bakersfield news anchor has obtained a temporary restraining order against the woman accused of firing a gun at the KBAK/KBFX studio twice in four days. According to KGET, anchor Aaron Perlman stated in court documents that he was the apparent intended target. No one was struck by gunfire.
What Happened at the KBAK/KBFX Studio
Police say shots were fired at the station’s Westwind Drive building on Friday, Oct. 9, and again early Tuesday, Oct. 13. In the first incident, 10 rounds struck a conference room and an office. After the second, officers found multiple bullet strikes and 11 .40-caliber shell casings. Three employees were reportedly inside the building at the time.
Arrest and Court Appearance
Bakersfield police arrested 46-year-old Thomashana Renee Zeigler on Oct. 15 during a traffic stop as she traveled toward the station. Officers say they found a loaded .40-caliber handgun and an extra magazine in her vehicle. Police said the arrest prevented a potential third shooting.
Zeigler was arraigned on Tuesday, Oct. 20, and a not guilty plea was entered on her behalf. She faces felony charges, including shooting at an inhabited dwelling and vandalism, along with misdemeanor firearm counts. She is being held without bail, and her next court date is Oct. 30. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
What the Restraining Order Says
In his application, Perlman stated that he does not know Zeigler and that the two have never met. An emergency protective order application stated the shooting was intended to gain his attention. A hearing on the restraining order is scheduled for Nov. 5. Perlman and the station declined to comment further.
Workplace Violence and Employee Rights in California
Incidents like this raise a hard question for workers everywhere: what protections do employees have when violence reaches the workplace?
California employers have a legal duty to provide a safe work environment. Most employers must also maintain a written workplace violence prevention plan under state law. When employers ignore warning signs or skip basic security measures, they may share responsibility for what follows.
Employees hurt on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Those benefits can cover medical care and lost wages. In some cases, they can also address psychological injuries tied to a traumatic event at work.
If a third party causes the harm, a separate personal injury claim may also be possible. Every case depends on its own facts, so early legal guidance matters.
Injured at Work in Bakersfield? Attorney Jeff Can Help
No one should feel unsafe at their job. If you were hurt, threatened, or traumatized at work in Kern County, the award-winning legal team at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer can review your situation at no cost. Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless the firm recovers compensation for you.
Call the Bakersfield office at (661) 490-9440 or request a free case evaluation online.
You can also browse more local updates on the Attorney Jeff blog.
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.