(UPDATE Mon. 9:39 p.m.) KCSO has identified the victim who was shot as 36-year-old Cesar Sanchez Ruiz. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
(UPDATE Fri. 1:30 p.m.) Police have released a summary of what is known at this point in the investigation of the deadly off-duty deputy-involved shooting at Tony's Firehouse in Northeast Bakersfield Thursday.
On Thursday at about 6:28 p.m., the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and Bakersfield Police Department began receiving calls regarding a shooting at Tony's Firehouse involving an off-duty Kern County Sheriff’s Office Deputy.
The Bakersfield Police Department arrived and found a man dead in the parking lot of the business. The area was secured and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit responded to assume the investigation.
Through the investigation, it was learned that the suspect had been driving in the area erratically for some time, prior to the shooting, which generated several calls to the California Highway Patrol. During the erratic driving, the suspect’s vehicle lost a tire. The suspect pulled into a parking lot and sped to the rear area of the business where the vehicle became disabled.
The suspect left the vehicle and tried to get in the back door of the business however employees inside held the door closed. The suspect walked to the front of the business and quickly approached a vehicle in the parking lot. By this time, the suspect’s behavior had drawn the attention of several patrons eating outside in front of the business. Several patrons approached the suspect after he began trying to break a window of the vehicle.
The suspect then removed a gun from his waistband and pointed it at the patrons who had confronted him. An off-duty Deputy who was at the business noticed what was taking place and confronted the suspect. An exchange of gunfire occurred, and the suspect fell to the ground.
The deputy began escorting a nearby patron away from the event and then continued to challenge the suspect, who was still armed with the gun. Ultimately, the deputy discharged his gun again at the armed suspect. A gun was recovered from the suspect. Medical aid was summoned for the suspect; however, the suspect succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
Neither the deputy nor any patrons were injured during this event. The deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Law enforcement spoke to numerous witnesses on the scene; however, if anyone has additional information regarding this event, they are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110.
(UPDATE Fri. 7 a.m.) One man is dead after an off-duty deputy-involved shooting Tony's Firehouse in Northeast Bakersfield.
According to KCSO, deputies responded to Tony's Firehouse Grill and Pizza at 6:36 p.m. on Thursday.
Officers from the Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff's Office and California Highway Patrol were all on scene at one point throughout the evening.
A gun has been recovered from the scene.
No other injuries were reported.
KCSO is currently investigating the incident.
Dozens of police officers were gathered at Tony's Firehouse in Northeast Bakersfield Thursday evening.
23ABC started receiving reports of a large police presence around 6:45 p.m.
Officers from the Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff's Office and California Highway Patrol were all on scene at one point throughout the evening.
23ABC has a crew on scene and is waiting for more information.
This story will be updated as more information comes into the newsroom.
