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1300+Kevin Daniel Stevens, 22, was sitting on a bench in Oildale early Saturday morning when a vehicle fleeing Bakersfield police crashed into him, killing him instantly. His family is now speaking out, calling for accountability from the Bakersfield Police Department.
What Happened During the Bakersfield Police Chase
According to police, officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit were searching for 21-year-old Isaiah Andrade near Clover Mountain Court and Pine Meadow Drive around 1:30 a.m. on September 5. Andrade had an active warrant for firearm possession and gang-related charges, and officers believed he was still armed.
When officers tried to detain him, Andrade got into the passenger side of a vehicle driven by 20-year-old Gabriel Lopez, and the car sped away. Officers pursued the vehicle south on Airport Drive and deployed spike strips near the intersection with Olive Drive.
The vehicle swerved to avoid the spike strips and struck Stevens, who was sitting nearby. He died at the scene.
Victim Killed on His Birthday
The crash happened on Stevens’ 22nd birthday, just five months after the death of his mother. His aunt, Chanel Stevens, told local reporters she thought her nephew was calling to talk on his birthday when her phone rang. Instead, it was the police calling to notify her of his death.
Chanel described her nephew as lively and full of energy, someone who had recently reached out to family and said he was working toward getting his life back on track.
Family Speaks Out Against BPD
Stevens’ family says the department should be held responsible for the pursuit ending the way it did. Chanel Stevens said officers knew who they were chasing and questioned why the pursuit was allowed to continue through an area where bystanders were present.
She also said the loss could have happened to any family, and that her nephew’s death should not be treated as an isolated tragedy.
Investigation and Charges
The California Highway Patrol is handling the traffic collision investigation, while the Bakersfield Police Department is conducting its own criminal investigation. BPD is treating the incident as a critical incident and has opened an internal administrative review.
Lopez, the driver, has been charged with second-degree murder and is being held on bail of more than $1 million. Andrade was also arrested. Both suspects reportedly have prior criminal histories.
When a Car Accident Leads to Injury or Death
Incidents like the one that killed Kevin Stevens raise difficult questions about liability. Police pursuits can put innocent bystanders directly in harm’s way, and families are often left trying to determine who is responsible for the resulting injuries or death.
If you or a loved one has been hurt because of a high-speed chase in Bakersfield or elsewhere in Kern County, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options.
Contact Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Bakersfield office is available to review the circumstances of your case and help families pursue the accountability they deserve.
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.