Bakersfield police officers arrested a business owner after he fired a gun into the air trying to scare away burglars.
At about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, officers said they heard gunfire in the area of 34th and San Dimas streets. A few minutes later, the Bakersfield Police Department received a call of a business burglary at a marijuana dispensary located at 301 34th Street.
Officers said they contacted the business owner, Tom Pham (57) of Bakersfield, who stated he was inside an unattached building adjacent to the marijuana dispensary when he received the alarm notification. Investigation revealed Pham armed himself with a firearm and responded outside. Pham observed the suspect: HMA 35 5'10" wearing a white t-shirt and white shorts, exiting a hole in the business' roof. Pham fired several shots in the air to "Scare" the suspect, who told Pham there were two additional suspects inside.
Pham's attention was diverted and the suspect fled westbound on foot and escaped. A perimeter was quickly established and the business was cleared and no additional suspects were located inside. Pham was arrested on charges of negligent discharge of a firearm and his firearm was seized.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.
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