On January 11, 2026, at approximately 1:40 a.m., deputies assigned to the...

On January 11, 2026, at approximately 1:40 a.m., deputies assigned to the Kern Valley Substation responded to area of Kilbreth Avenue and Lake Isabella Boulevard for reports of a male subject firing a handgun. Deputies made contact with the suspect who fled to the area of Highway 178 where an officer involved shooting occurred. Deputies rendered medical aid. Medical personnel arrived and the suspect was pronounced deceased on scene.

The identity of the suspect will be released at a later date.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene to assume the investigation.

Kern County Sheriff's Office detectives investigate any use of deadly force by any member of the department. Investigations are submitted to the Kern County District Attorney's Office for criminal review.

Further information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661)861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness at (661)322-4040.