July 26, 2021- 6:33 p.m.
On Sunday, July 25th, 2021, the Kern County Sheriff’s department Wasco division received 9-1-1 calls for a possible shooting with multiple victims. As deputies were en-route to the call, additional calls were received where multiple gun shots were heard by the dispatcher.
After approximately 8 minutes, deputies arrived on scene and attempted to make entry into the residence. That’s when deputies took gunfire, causing them to retreat.
They quickly dispatched the Kern County Swat team after discovering there was at least two victims with gunshot wounds still inside the residence, along with the barricaded suspect. Two bearcats from the Sheriffs office arrived on scene, along with a bomb squad and a command post unit.
Deputies quickly gathered their teams and came up with a plan. After a short time, deputies and swat officers attempted to make entry into the residence when they were immediately underwent heavy gunfire. That’s when the fire fight began. Hundred of rounds- from single shots to fully automatic rounds- zipping past deputies and the suspect.
In the result of this tragic firefight, two deputies were struck by gunfire. An ambulance was quickly called into the scene where they were both taken to the Wasco airport to be medevaced to Kern Medical Center.
One of the deputies was later declared deceased, while another with moderate injuries. The swat standoff continued with shots continuing to ring off. The sounds of tear gas canisters and flash bangs went off in waves of horror. The suspect refused to exit or let the hostages free. Continued attempts to negotiate with the suspect for several hours with no progress.
The Bakersfield Police Swat team was called in, now a total of 3 swat bearcats. As he still continued to fire multiple rounds. Deputies and officers on the ground shot the male suspect.
A short time later, swat medics along with KCFD rushed in to render medical aid. Tragically, 3 victims plus the suspect were declared dead at the scene.
Unconfirmed by KCSO, but a family
member says 3 victims were shot and killed inside, along with the suspect. This is making it a total of 5 fatalities and one injured, including the deputies.
This is an on-going investigation by the Kern County Sheriffs office.
I will update this story as more information becomes available
