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1300+A woman has been arrested in connection with two shootings at the KBAK/KBFX news studio in Bakersfield, California. Police say officers stopped her Thursday night as she was allegedly driving toward the station.
No one was injured in either incident. Still, the case is a reminder of how quickly violence can put people at risk in Kern County.
What Happened at the Bakersfield News Studio
The Bakersfield Police Department says officers responded to separate shots-fired reports on October 9 and October 13, 2026.
After the second incident, officers found multiple bullet strikes on the building and recovered eleven .40-caliber shell casings.
Three employees were inside at the time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
How Police Identified the Suspect
Detectives from the Robbery/Homicide Unit worked with the Real-Time Information Center on the investigation. They reviewed city-owned surveillance cameras and footage from nearby businesses.
Police say automated license plate recognition technology played a major role in identifying a vehicle linked to both shootings. That lead pointed investigators to 46-year-old Thomashana Renee Zeigler of Bakersfield.
The Traffic Stop and Arrest
On October 15 at about 11:35 p.m., officers from the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team and Special Enforcement Unit stopped Zeigler as she traveled toward the news station.
Police say they found a loaded .40-caliber handgun and an extra loaded magazine in her vehicle. She was taken into custody without incident.
Search warrants later led to additional guns and evidence, according to police. Detectives also identified further threats aimed at the station. Investigators say the arrest prevented a potential additional shooting.
Charges and Next Steps
Zeigler was booked into the Kern County Jail on multiple charges, including shooting at an occupied building and carrying a loaded firearm. These are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Sinclair, the station’s parent company, said it is relieved by the arrest and grateful that no one was hurt. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information can call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.
Your Legal Options After Violence in Bakersfield
No injuries were reported here. But when a shooting or other violent act does hurt someone, California law may allow the victim to seek compensation. That can include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In some cases, a property owner or business may also share responsibility if poor security made the harm foreseeable. These claims depend heavily on evidence, such as surveillance footage, police reports, and witness statements.
California generally gives injured people two years to file a personal injury claim, so acting early helps protect your rights. Speaking with a Bakersfield personal injury lawyer can help you understand which options may apply.
If a shooting results in injury, the victim may have the right to seek financial recovery directly from the shooter. Additionally, liability may extend to a business or property owner if inadequate security measures contributed to the foreseeable harm. Given that legal outcomes depend entirely on the specific facts, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney can clarify the available options.
Talk to a Bakersfield Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one was hurt because of someone else’s actions, Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer is here to help. Contact our Bakersfield office at (661) 490-9440 for a free consultation.
There are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Jeff’s got you.
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.