HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_08_05_OIS 921 Baker Street
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 August 5, 2010 On 08/04/10, at 9:25 p.m., Officers of the Bakersfield Police Department responded to
a report of a subject brandishing a knife at the Rankin Hotel, 921 Baker Street. Prior to officer’s arrival, the suspect stabbed the hotel manager causing minor injury and was reported
to be running around the hotel trying to stab people. Officers arrived at the scene, ascended to the second floor landing where they were confronted by the suspect. The suspect was armed
with a large butcher knife as he advanced towards the officers. The suspect failed to comply with the officers repeated commands to get down on the ground. The suspect raised the knife
above his shoulder and advanced towards the officers. Officer Christopher Knutson fired two shots at the suspect both of which struck him. The suspect was transported to Kern Medical
Center where he later died. The name of the decedent is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. Several tenants of the hotel indicated that prior to the officer’s arrival
the suspect was armed with two large knifes and that he stabbed at least four doors of rooms that were occupied. Officer Knutson was placed on routine administrative leave.