Bakersfield man accused of attempted murder in multiple deputy-involved shootings
A Bakersfield man has been arrested on suspicion of six counts of attempted murder in connection to multiple deputy-involved shootings.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, just before 3 PM on October 28, a shooting was reported on the 900 block of Water Street in Bakersfield.
The suspect, reportedly armed with a rifle, then fled eastward on foot only to be intercepted by a deputy on the 3100 block of Dartmouth Street just minutes later. He began walking away, ignoring commands, then brandished a firearm and exchanged gunfire with the deputy .
The suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Justin Esqueda, continued to run westbound on Nelson Street, firing rounds at the pursuing Sheriff’s Department helicopter as he went.
As deputies coordinated with the air unit and tried to safely evacuate residents in the area, they finally caught up with Esqueda in a backyard on the 300 block of Dartmouth Street, where he again exchanged gunfire with deputies and, this time, was shot.
The Sheriff’s Department reports that no deputies were injured and that the victim in the initial shooting is in stable condition. While Esqueda was being treated for his wounds, he was absentee booked on suspicion of six counts of attempted murder of a peace officer, and one count each of felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and possession of a short-barreled rifle.
