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1300+Driver Surrenders Nearly a Week After Southeast Bakersfield Crash
The suspected driver in a Bakersfield hit-and-run involving a young child has turned himself in to police. According to the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD), 22-year-old Gael Garcia surrendered on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, with his attorney present.
Garcia met with BPD Traffic Investigators and was booked into Lerdo Detention Facility on a felony hit-and-run charge. The surrender came nearly a week after the crash.
What Happened at Tyree Toliver and Wilkins Street
The hit-and-run that left the child in critical condition happened just after 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the intersection of Tyree Toliver and Wilkins Street in southeast Bakersfield.
Police said a mother and her children were westbound on Wilkins Street, preparing to turn south. The mother did not have a stop sign. Investigators say a truck traveling southbound allegedly ran its stop sign and broadsided the family’s vehicle on the passenger side.
Police said both people in the truck then ran from the scene. The passenger was taken into custody that day. The driver remained at large until he turned himself in.
Child Remains in Critical Condition
Two children and one adult were in the vehicle that was struck. Police said all three suffered significant injuries.
One child was taken to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera. Early reports described the child as a five-year-old in critical but stable condition. As of Tuesday, BPD said the child remains in critical condition.
Police Asked the Public for Help
The day after the crash, BPD asked the community to help find Garcia. Police described him as about 5’10” and 140 pounds, last seen in a black shirt and jeans. Investigators asked anyone with information to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.
Garcia’s surrender ended that search. As with any criminal case, he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Why Hit-and-Run Crashes Are Treated So Seriously in California
Under California law, a driver involved in a crash must stop, share contact and insurance information, and help anyone who is hurt. Leaving the scene of a crash that injures someone can lead to felony charges.
A hit-and-run also creates problems for the injured. Victims may face mounting medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about who will pay. Families dealing with a seriously injured child often have to make these decisions while still at the hospital.
What Families Can Do After a Hit-and-Run in Bakersfield
There are certain steps to take after a hit-and-run accident to protect your health and broaden your legal your options:
- Get medical care right away, even if injuries seem minor
- Report the crash to law enforcement and request a copy of the report
- Keep records of medical bills, treatment, and missed work
- Review your own auto policy, including uninsured motorist coverage
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before speaking with an attorney
California also sets statutes on how long you have to file personal injury claims. Some of those deadlines work differently when the injured person is a minor, so it helps to get legal guidance early.
Legal Help for Hit-and-Run Victims in Bakersfield, CA
A serious crash can change a family’s life overnight. The car accident attorneys at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer help Bakersfield and Kern County families pursue the compensation they need after hit-and-run collisions, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you or your child was injured by a driver who fled the scene, contact Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield 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.