Fleeing suspect shot by deputy in pursuit, report says

A county deputy shot an armed suspect allegedly running from a car chase near Palm Avenue and Gromer Avenue Sunday night, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect, described as a 21-year-old male, was treated at a hospital. His identity and condition was not reported.

The incident began at approximately 1:08 a.m., with deputies near the site said they heard gunshots nearby, the Sheriff’s Office report said.

While investigating the shots heard, deputies arrived and located four occupied vehicles. As deputies attempted to make contact the people within, the vehicles took off.

Deputies pursued the suspect’s vehicle, which became involved in a single-vehicle accident.

The deputies said the occupant was armed with a handgun and fled on foot. The deputy fired at this point, wounding the suspect, who was transported to a hospital for treatment.

A spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office said they have video recording of the incident, but won’t release it – at least for now.

“In regards to critical incidences, we will release a video with all of the pertinent information, including body-worn camera footage (if there is any), radio traffic, 911 calls, etc.,” Public Information Officer Lori Meza said.

When asked when the video would be made public, she stated, “It’s truly hard to tell this early on. Every case is so different. It could be weeks.

“Critical incidences that involve use of force, such as officer-involved shootings, are not something that we can really comment on as it goes through a thorough investigation within and then with the [county] district attorney. When information is available, we will release it.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110 or Secret Witness line at 661-322-4040.