Bakersfield, CA (June 17, 2024) – The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified 27-year-old Brandon Elliott Gabriel Flores as the man who was struck and killed by a Bakersfield Police Department cruiser in the early hours of Monday, June 24, 2024.
Accident Details: The incident occurred in the 1500 block of South Union Avenue at approximately 3:40 a.m. According to the initial reports, Flores was struck by a police cruiser driven by Officer Julian Garcia, with Officer Zachary Ward as a passenger. Both officers, who have served with the Bakersfield Police Department for about two years, have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. Flores was pronounced dead at the scene, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause and manner of his death.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury lawyer, I find that several aspects warrant further examination, such as the following:
- Police Conduct and Protocol: One of the primary aspects to investigate is whether Officers Garcia and Ward were adhering to departmental protocols at the time of the accident. This investigation includes examining if they were responding to an emergency call, their speed, and whether they were using lights and sirens. Reviewing body camera footage and dashcam recordings will be crucial in assessing their conduct.
- Road and Visibility Conditions: The incident occurred early in the morning, a time when visibility might be compromised. It’s important to evaluate the lighting conditions, the presence of streetlights, and whether any environmental factors (like fog or rain) may have contributed to the accident. Additionally, we should examine the condition of the road for any potential hazards that could have impacted the officers’ ability to see Flores.
- Pedestrian Behavior: While we must carefully investigate the actions of the officers, it’s also essential to consider Flores’ movements leading up to the accident. Understanding whether he was crossing the street, walking along the roadside, or if there were any contributing factors from his end will provide a comprehensive view of the incident.
Given that the vehicle involved was a police cruiser, the Bakersfield Police Department may bear liability for the actions of its officers. Depending on the investigation, Flores’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
My deepest condolences go to the family and friends of Brandon Elliott Gabriel Flores during this difficult time.
Source: KGET