At about 7:15 a.m. Monday, an McFarland Police Department officer on routine patrol found a man laying on the ground on the 200 block of San Lucas Street, east alleyway.
The man was unresponsive and Kern County Fire Department and Delano Ambulance responded to the scene.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Kern County Coroners Office arrived on scene and located several gun shots wounds to the victim’s body.
Officials said that on Sunday at about 11:56 p.m., MPD Dispatch received calls regarding shots heard in the area of Mt. Arbor Street and East Sherwood Avenue. Officers were sent to the location but did not locate a crime scene or any victims.
At about 12:18 a.m., MPD Dispatch received calls regarding shots heard in the area of the 200 block of San Lucas Street. Officers responded and did not locate any crime scene or victims.
During the investigation on this incident, neighbors in the area told officers they heard several shots fired but did not see anyone in the area including the alleyway where the victim was found this morning. Neighbors directly behind where the victim was located stated they heard shots fired but did not observe the victim in the alleyway following the shots.
This investigation is on-going. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Wilson at 661-792-2121 Ext: 3207. Callers can remain anonymous.
Neighbors that live in the area say McFarland used to have crimes like this far more often, but since the city incorporated a police department six years ago, violence has decreased.
It's been nearly six months since the city's last homicide, a good sign that violent crime has dropped. The city's chief of police says this is partly due to their style of policing, "Community oriented policing, relationship based policing helps us tremendously," said Chief Scot Kimble.
Chief Kimble says having the same officers out in the community, getting to know residents and creating positive, consistent relationships builds trust between officer and citizen, which is essential in reducing crime.
