HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_08_26_OIS Review 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 26, 2010 On 8/24/10, the Bakersfield Police Department Critical Incident Review Board met and
reviewed the facts and circumstances surrounding the officer involved shooting which occurred on 8/4/10, at the Rankin Hotel, 921 Baker Street. The Review Board concluded that the shots
fired by Officer Christopher Knutson were within department policy and within state and federal guidelines. The Review Board consisted of Assistant Chief Lyle Martin, Captain Kevin Stokes,
Captain Robert Bivens, and Captain Joe Bianco. Police Chief Greg Williamson reviewed the investigation and concurred with the Review Board’s findings. Original Release 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.