Suspect Sought in Shooting

by JEFF KERMODE, Chief of Police

On Sunday, August 5^th, at 12:26 AM, the Tehachapi Police Department received a report of a shooting and a stabbing near the intersection of W. Tehachapi Blvd and Pauley Street. Upon arrival, officers found a 16 year old male who had been stabbed and a 55 year old shooting victim. Both victims were treated at the scene by Kern County Fire and Hall Ambulance personnel and then flown to Kern Medical Center for further treatment.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the 16 year old male was walking on W. Tehachapi Blvd with a group of other people when they became involved in an argument with an adult male suspect. The argument escalated and the 16 year old male was stabbed. The group then scattered and ran from the scene.

As they ran from the scene, a passing vehicle stopped, possibly to provide assistance. It is believed that the same suspect then fired multiple shots from a handgun at the driver, striking him twice. The suspect then ran from the scene. A passerby administered first aid to the gunshot victim until emergency medical personnel arrived on scene.

An area search for the suspect was conducted by personnel from Tehachapi PD, Bear Valley PD, Stallion Springs PD, Kern County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol. Unfortunately, the suspect was not found.

The suspect was described as a White male, 30-40 years old, with brown hair and a moustache.

The 16 year old stabbing victim is a resident of Tehachapi and was treated and released from Kern Medical Center. The 55 year old shooting victim is an Oregon resident and he is in stable condition at Kern Medical Center.

There does not appear to be any connection between this incident and the Tehachapi Wine and Food Festival, which was held earlier in the evening.

No additional details will be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident is requested to call the Tehachapi Police Department at (661) 822-2222