BPD Officer Julian Garcia Involved in South Union Avenue Accident [Bakersfield, CA]

Bakersfield, CA (June 19, 2024) – BPD officers Julian Garcia and Zachary Ward were involved in a S Union Avenue accident early Monday morning.

It was about 3:30 a.m. when the collision happened at the 1500 block area.

Investigators said Garcia was driving a BPD vehicle with Ward as a passenger was responding to an auto theft incident in downtown Bakersfield.

At the same time, the pedestrian was walking in a roadway outside the crosswalk in the number one lane.

The patrol car crashed into the pedestrian and officers immediately got out of the car and flagged down a passing ambulance. 

Unfortunately, the male pedestrian was declared deceased at the scene.

Investigating officers added that the officers did not turn on their siren or overhead lights and said the speed they were driving at is unknown at the time of the accident.

Ward and Garcia have been BPD officers for about two years. They were both placed on administrative leave while the police department conducted a critical incident investigation. 

Please call BPD at 661-327-7111 for more details.

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Sweet Lawyers expresses sympathies to the family and community of the deceased. Our hearts are with you through these trying times.

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Julian Garcia and Zachary Ward Involved in Bakersfield Fatal Crash

Sweet Lawyers’ attorneys are committed to providing personalized legal assistance to your family. Being in a traffic accident indeed has a profound effect on everyone involved. If you refuse to settle and want to seek justice, please call (800) 674-7852. Our attorneys excel at wrongful death and personal injury situations.

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