A traffic stop leads to the arrest of two men in southwest Bakersfield. Police pulled over an 18-wheeler Saturday morning in the 3400 block of Wible Road to find twelve pounds of suspected methamphetamine and a gun inside the big-rig. Erick Mungarro, 39, and Marco Lopez-Nunez, 21, were arrested on gun and drug charges. Anyone…… Read More
feds sued over kern county immigration raids
The United Farm Workers and five Kern County residents are suing the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Border Patrol following a week-long immigration sting in Bakersfield in January. Federal officials say the operation focused on illegal immigrants with criminal convictions, however the ACLU claims federal agents targeted people of color…… Read More
taft suspected burglar in custody
A suspect has been arrested in connection with a string of smash-and-grab break-ins in Taft. Kenneth Bishop, 48, was apprehended February 22 after break-ins at Artz Liquors on Kern Street on January 9, SaveMore Market on Finley Drive on January 29, and Rite Aid on Kern Street on February 8. Bishop is charged with burglary…… Read More
man sentenced for big lots robbery
A Bakersfield man faces up to five years in prison after being convicted of robbing a Big Lots and spraying mace at two people, an employee and a security guard. On Tuesday, a jury found Victor Perez guilty of second-degree robbery and of using tear gas on two victims, resisting arrest, and giving a false…… Read More
stan ellis declares victory in 32nd assembly race
Kern County businessman Stan Ellis has declared victory in the race for the 32nd Assembly District seat. Ellis captured the seat with 63% of the vote to surpass the 50% plus one needed to to avoid a runoff. Ellis says he plans to make oil and gas a priority for his Central Valley constituents. The…… Read More
fatal stabbing in bakersfield, suspect arrested
A woman is dead after a stabbing in downtown Bakersfield. It happened near 19th and H Streets at around 4:40 a.m. Wednesday. A man was also wounded. Authorities say the woman was pronounced dead at the scene and the man was taken to Kern Medical in stable condition. Police say a suspect identified as Kevin…… Read More
cal city dog rescuer faces animal cruelty charge
A California City woman who operated a dog rescue has been charged with a felony count of animal cruelty. LaQuenta Reynolds is set to be arraigned in May after police responded January 7 to her home on 94th Street to find 15 emaciated and wounded dogs in metal cages in the garage. Five dogs received…… Read More
rosamond woman sentenced for murder
A woman who pleaded no contest to killing her boyfriend outside a Rosamond motel was sentenced Tuesday to 14 years in prison. Gabriela Martinez, 30, pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter after shooting Kevin Ramirez, 37, to death during and argument outside the Rosamond Palms Motel in November 2022. A charge of first-degree murder was…… Read More
fatal house fire in maricopa
One person was found dead inside a house on fire in Maricopa. Kern County firefighters were dispatched early Monday morning to 900 South Kern Street to find a mobile home on fire. Firefighters found a person inside the house after being notified by neighbors. Arson investigators are looking into what started the blaze.… Read More
millions awarded to woman injured at southern california theme park
A federal jury has awarded $7.25 million to a 74-year-old Arizona woman for a spine injury she suffered in a fall while exiting the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. Pamela Morrison was getting seated on the popular attraction with her grandson in September 2022 when she was asked to…… Read More
