Officials with the California Lottery announced on Friday that a Bakersfield man won $500,000 on a California Gold Rush lottery scratcher.

The 49-year-old and his family drove from Bakersfield to Sacramento to claim the prize. “I saw that there were (CA Lottery's district office) places in Fresno, but I thought, ‘this is the main branch…no middle man!’” Ward said.

According to lottery officials, Ward works in demolition and concrete cutting. Ward said work has been slow, but his group just got a project in San Bernardino.

Officials said that's where the winning ticket was sold.

It started with a stop for coffee and energy drinks at M&J Union 76, which is located at 1950 South Waterman Avenue. “I don’t normally buy tickets,” Ward said. “But something told me to get a lottery ticket.”

News of his win traveled quickly. “I’m a real good person. I’ve got good friends. They said, ‘We’re happy for you.’ It humbled me,” Ward said.