One person is dead and 3 people are in custody after an officer-involved shooting in Southeast Bakersfield.
Residents woke up to sounds of gunfire early this morning and news that a man had been shot and killed in an officer involved shooting.
According to Bakersfield police, around 3:20 this morning officers attempted to stop a green sedan, at McDonald Way and Stockdale Highway for vehicle code violations.
A pursuit started after police say the driver refused to stop.
The chase continued. Getting on the 58 eastbound freeway, and exiting at cottonwood rd.
The suspect's car then turned onto Feliz Dr., where something was reportedly thrown out of the car.
Police say the pursuit lasted about six minutes before coming to an end at Feliz Dr. And Jastro Ave. in Southeast Bakersfield.
There were four people in the vehicle.
Police say that a passenger in the backseat exited the vehicle and attempted to flee. Officers pursued that suspect, gunfire was exchanged and officer involved shooting occurred.
According to police the armed male suspect led officers on a foot pursuit through the area housing complex and fired at the officers several times during the pursuit.
The officers returned fire and struck him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have identified him as 37-year-old Francisco Villarreal of Bakersfield.
There were five officers involved – all whom have been placed on administrative leave pending review by the Critical Incident Review Board.
This is Bakersfield Police’s second officer-involved shooting this year. The last one happened in late February.
