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1300+A pedestrian was struck and killed early Saturday morning after a vehicle fleeing Bakersfield police lost control while trying to avoid a spike strip. Two men were arrested following the crash.
What Happend During the Pursuit and Fatal Accident
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, officers with the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) were searching for 21-year-old Isaiah Andrade around 1:30 a.m. on September 5, 2026. Andrade had an active Ramey warrant tied to firearm possession and gang-related charges, and police believed he was still armed.
Officers located Andrade near Clover Mountain Court and Pine Meadow Drive in Oildale. When they attempted to take him into custody, he got into the passenger side of a vehicle driven by 20-year-old Gabriel Lopez, who then fled the scene.
The Pursuit and Crash
SEU officers pursued the vehicle as it traveled south on Airport Drive at high speed. Officers deployed spike strips at the intersection of Airport Drive and Olive Drive.
Police say the driver attempted to avoid the spike strips, lost control of the vehicle, and struck a pedestrian on the west sidewalk. The pedestrian died at the scene.
Both Lopez and Andrade fled on foot but were apprehended shortly after by SEU officers following a brief use of force. They were taken to a hospital for medical clearance and are expected to face charges related to firearm possession, gang activity, felony evading, and the outstanding warrant.
Ongoing Investigation
The California Highway Patrol is leading the traffic collision investigation, while the Bakersfield Police Department is conducting a related criminal investigation. BPD is treating the incident as a critical incident and is conducting an internal administrative review.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Bakersfield?
Whether it’s another motorist or a pedestrian, high-speed car accidents put innocent bystanders at serious risk.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Kern County, the experienced Bakersfield pedestrian accident attorneys at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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.