On May 16, 2017 at 9:30 a.m., detectives from the Bakersfield Police Department’s Auto Theft Detail and officers from the KERN CATT joint task force responded to a home near Wells Avenue and Wilson Avenue in Oildale to conduct an investigation into a report of stolen auto accessories.

As officers approached the residence, a suspect, Billy Ross, 33, ran from officers and discarded a firearm before running into a home.

Officers later entered the residence and located Ross as well as another suspect, Steven Hardin, 31, hiding in an attic. Both Ross and Hardin resisted arrest and a police K9 was used to take both suspects into custody.

Officers recovered the firearm discarded by Ross. During a search of the residence, three additional handguns were seized.

Three of the four firearms were previously reported stolen out of Kern County. Both Hardin and Ross were arrested for being felons in possession of firearms, possessing stolen firearms, and resisting arrest.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Bakersfield Police Department (661) 327-7111.