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HomeMy WebLinkAbout14-01-09 5101 California Ave Officer Involved Shooting Update BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE Greg Williamson, Chief of Police Contact: Sergeant Joe Grubbs Public Information Officer 661-326-3803 jgrubbs@bakersfieldpd.us For Immediate Release January 9, 2014 On December 23, 2013, the Critical Incident Review Board determined that all shots fired by Officers Rick Wimbish, Daniel Brewer, Jess Beagley, Ryan Vaughan and Chad Garrett in the Officer Involved Shooting on September 16, 2013, at 5101 California Ave. were within Department Policy, and were within State and Federal Guidelines. All officers have returned to full-duty. Chief Williamson is confident in the Review Board’s findings and the officers’ actions in this incident. Although Chief Williamson will be unavailable for comment this week he will be available late next week to answer questions about this event. Chief Williamson has not authorized any personnel to speak on his behalf regarding this incident. Previous Release September 18, 2013 The Bakersfield Police Department’s investigation into the officer involved shooting on Monday, September 16, 2013 is continuing. Bakersfield Police Officers received information that a parolee wanted by local law enforcement and the United States Marshals Service for an assault with a deadly weapon, Justin Bryan Harger, 32, of Bakersfield, was occupying a Sports Utility Vehicle, possibly a jeep, and was responding to the area of the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, located at 5101 California Avenue. Responding officers conducted surveillance in the area and observed Harger’s vehicle arrive in the parking lot of the business, where officers affected a traffic stop on the vehicle. The occupants of the suspect vehicle were identified as Harger and his passenger, identified as Jorge Joel Ramirez, 34, of Bakersfield. Preliminary investigation revealed suspects Harger and Ramirez immediately exited their vehicle and Harger opened fire on the officers and officers returned fire. During the exchange of gunfire, Officer Daniel Brewer sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was transported to a local hospital. Officer Wimbish sustained minor injury to his leg and was transported to a local hospital, treated and released. Both Harger and Ramirez succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The firearm possessed by Harger was recovered at the scene. Harger’s previous convictions include; possession of a controlled substance, felony evading officers using a vehicle, transporting a controlled substance, forgery and felon in possession of a firearm. Ramirez’s prior convictions include; possession of a controlled substance for sales, carrying a loaded firearm in public and multiple domestic violence convictions. Ramirez had a Criminal Protective Order placed against him and was on parole for possession of stolen property. The investigation is continuing and more information will be forthcoming. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111. Previous Release September 17, 2013 The Bakersfield Police Department is continuing to investigate the officer involved shooting, which occurred at 5101 California Avenue on Monday, September 16, 2013. Officer Daniel Brewer, Officer Rick Wimbish, Officer Ryan Vaughan, Officer Jess Beagley and Officer Chad Garrett were the Bakersfield Police Officers involved in the shooting. Officer Daniel Brewer has served as a police officer for eight years. Officer Rick Wimbish is a twenty-two year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department. Officer Ryan Vaughan has served as an officer with the Bakersfield Police Department for four years. Officer Jess Beagley has been a Bakersfield Police Officer for eight years. Officer Chad Garrett has served as an officer with the Bakersfield Police Department for three years. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111. Previous Release September 16, 2013 Today, at approximately 12:34 a.m., Bakersfield Police Officers attempted to make a vehicle stop in the east parking lot at the Four Points Sheraton, located at 5101 California Avenue. Shortly after, an officer involved shooting ensued between the occupants of the suspect vehicle and several officers. Both occupants of the suspect vehicle were struck and pronounced deceased at the scene. There are no outstanding suspects. Two officers were injured during the incident. One officer sustained a moderate gunshot wound to his head. The injury does not appear to be life threatening at this time. Another officer sustained a minor injury unrelated to the gunfire. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Bakersfield Police at (661) 327-7111. You can now send an anonymous text message to the Bakersfield Police Department. It’s quick and it’s easy. Simply enter 274637 into your phone and text BPDCRIMES along with your message. The text is sent to the police department and the sender remains completely anonymous. Tips can also be anonymously sent through the smartphone “TipSubmit” mobile App or via email at https://www.tipsubmit.com.