Suspect Dies After Kidnapping and Sexual Assault of Child

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BAKERSFIELD, Ca. – A Bakersfield area kidnapping and sexual assault suspect died following a standoff with authorities on Wednesday.

At around 10:22 a.m. Bakersfield Police received a report that a minor, in their early teens was involved in a in-progress kidnapping and sexual assault. Police responded to the 2200 block of Niles Street where the juvenile victim was in the suspect vehicle and able to call 911 from. The young victim was able to exit the vehicle and flee while in the City of Arvin. Arvin Police were notified and were able to locate the suspect vehicle as he attempted to flee the area. With lights and sirens activated, Arvin Police attempted to stop the suspect, who continued to flee from the area of North Comanche and Varsity Roads.

The suspect continued driving southbound on Highway 99, where the Bakersfield Police took over the pursuit. While pursuing the suspect the victim was located and reported that the suspect was under the influence of drugs and was possibly armed with a firearm. The suspect traveled southbound on Highway 99, colliding with the center guardrail multiple times. The California Highway Patrol took over the pursuit as it reached the area of Highway 99 and Sandrini Road.

Due to the repeated crashes into the center guardrail, the vehicle became disabled near the 1-5 split. The suspect was not cooperative with the officer’s demands and refused to exit the vehicle. The SWAT team responded to assist and negotiated for around an hour but the suspect would not comply. A Taser was deployed and the suspect was taken into custody. While he was taken into custody, he had an unknown medical emergency and became unresponsive. Medical aid was rendered, and he was transported to the hospital where he later died. The cause of death is unknown and the identity of the adult male suspect is not being released at this time.

A full investigation into all of the facts and circumstances is being conducted. Involved Bakersfield Police officers were equipped with body-worn cameras. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.