HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_05_24_OIS 1700 William F
BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE Greg Williamson, Chief of Police ________________________________________________________________________ Contact: Sergeant Mary DeGeare Public
Information Officer 661-326-3803 mdegeare@Bakersfieldpd.us For Immediate Release May 24, 2010 On 5/22/10, at 11:04 p.m. Bakersfield Police received a report of an argument and shots
heard near the apartments in the 1700 block of William F. Halsey Avenue. Officers Allen Ronk and Timothy Berchtold contacted a male subject at 1701 William F. Halsey Avenue who informed
them that his friend, John Jessie Soliz III was responsible for the shots being fired. This subject told the officers that Soliz was armed with a large caliber rifle, was making threats
to harm himself and also told him he was going to “go on a rampage.” The subject indicated Soliz was currently inside the apartment #C. Officer Ronk obtained Soliz’ cell phone number
from the subject and established phone contact with Soliz. During a series of phone calls with Soliz, Officer Ronk made repeated requests to Soliz to put down the firearm and surrender.
Soliz rejected these offers and refused to comply with Officer Ronk’s orders to exit the apartment unarmed. For nearly an hour Officer Ronk and a family member engaged in separate phone
conversations with Soliz. Assisting officers formed a perimeter around the apartment and adjacent apartments were evacuated. Officer Berchtold took up a position outside Soliz’ fenced
back yard. Shortly after the last phone call with family members ended, Soliz exited his apartment armed with the rifle. Officer Berchtold illuminated Soliz from outside the fence and
ordered Soliz to show him his hands several times, at which point, Soliz turned toward Officer Berchtold and raised the rifle pointing it toward him. Officer Berchtold fired several
times at Soliz, from his AR-15 rifle, while backing up to obtain cover. Soliz was struck in the torso and died at the scene. Officer Berchtold has been placed on paid administrative
leave.