Published 2 years ago
On June 24th, at approximately 0400 hours, two officers from the Bakersfield Police Department were patrolling the area of Bradley Avenue and Fremont Street, when they observed a Red Chevy Avalanche parked infront of a residence, facing the wrong direction of traffic.
Officers had received numerous reports of auto theft and catalytic converter theft in the area and drew a significant amount of suspicion toward this vehicle. After returning to the area, the truck had begun traveling away from the residence with three male subjects occupying the vehicle. The patrolling officers attempted to conduct an investigatory and vehicle code violation stop on the vehicle, however the driver refused to comply and began evading.
After approximately six minutes, the vehicle came to a stop after colliding with a tree on Highway 99 and the Houghton Road off ramp. As indicated in the body camera footage, one of the subjects, later identified as 30-year-old Abraham Torres Meza, exited the truck and began fleeing. While in pursuit, one officer observed Meza, armed with what appeared to be a shotgun.
The officer provided Meza with numerous commands to drop the weapon, but he continued disregarding the officers commands. As depicted in the body camera footage, the officer made contact with Meza as they reached the nearby highway. Although it is difficult to see, Meza began turning toward the officer. In response, the officer fired numerous shots, causing Meza to fall to the ground.
Officers rendered CPR and first aid to Meza but was later pronounced deceased at the scene. During initial investigations, two loaded handguns were located in Meza's backpack, along with the loaded shotgun he was carrying. The other two male subjects were apprehended at the crashed vehicle and were arrested for charges associated with catalytic converter theft after stolen property was found inside Meza's vehicle.
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