BAKERSFIELD, CA - The coroner's office has confirmed that the man shot and killed last night by Bakersfield police after a car chase was Ramiro James Villegas.
Police say the suspect led them on a chase down Highway 178, around 9 p.m. He reportedly exited the highway and struck a light pole on Mt. Vernon Avenue.
Police say after the crash, the driver got out of his vehicle and would not comply with officers' requests, which led to shots being fired.
Witness reports from the scene vary, with some saying Villegas had his hands up and officers immediately started shooting, while others say he started approaching the officers in a challenging manner.
We'll have more on this story as it develops.
Police say the suspect led them on a chase down Highway 178, around 9 p.m. He reportedly exited the highway and struck a light pole on Mt. Vernon Avenue.
Police say after the crash, the driver got out of his vehicle and would not comply with officers' requests, which led to shots being fired.
Witness reports from the scene vary, with some saying Villegas had his hands up and officers immediately started shooting, while others say he started approaching the officers in a challenging manner.
We'll have more on this story as it develops.