A review board has determined that a Bakersfield police officer was within proper guidelines when he opened fire and killed a knife-wielding 47-year-old man at the downtown Hart Hotel on 19th Street.

Sgt. Joe Grubbs said the finding essentially completes the investigation into the conduct of Nestor Barajas on March 17.

“It’s pretty much closed out at this point, pending any lawsuits,” Grubbs said. “I don’t know if they’re will be (any lawsuits) in this case, but that’s not infrequent with officer-involved shootings.”

Barajas was responding to a disturbance call. Grubbs said he has returned to full duty.

– Anthony Pollreisz