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Teenager and 21-year-old man arrested following deadly stabbing near Foothill High School

Posted at 3:17 PM, Jan 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-22 20:18:52-05

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday two people were arrested in connection to the deadly stabbing near Foothill High School Tuesday.

Officials said 23-year-old Jason Cruz was arrested and booked into jail for homicide. A 14-year-old male was also booked into Juvenile Hall for assault with a deadly weapon.

The Kern High School District said there were grief counselors and extra security at Foothill High School on Wednesday, following a stabbing incident on Tuesday that left 17-year-old Jose Flores dead, and two others injured. Flores was identified as the victim by his family.

Bakersfield Police Department and Kern County Sheriff's Office vehicles were seen patrolling and parked around the campus Tuesday morning.

As of Tuesday morning, a candle tribute had also been placed at the intersection of Foothill Road and Morning Drive for the boy who died.

Officers responded to the scene of the incident around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

"With the school possibly just getting out, there's going to be a lot of school kids there, there's going to be a lot of attention drawn to that certain incident," said Matt Alvarez, of the Kern County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday.

Deputies arrived, quickly blocking off the area and finding one male juvenile dead with apparent stab wounds, officials said. Deputies also said there was a second crime scene. Two others, a man and juvenile boy were found injured with stab wounds just a block away on Pioneer and Park drive. The Kern High School District placed Foothill High School on a lockout.

Investigators say they located a weapon that could be related to the crime.

The school district released a statement yesterday saying they are sending their thoughts and prayers to the student's family. KCSO says since so many people were around at the time of the incident, they're hoping someone may have taken video that will help them in their investigation.

"We're asking anybody who did witness the incident to call us at 861-3110 or if they would like to remain anonymous our secret witness hotline at 322-4040," Alvarez said.

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