Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Bakersfield, CA: Man drives off canyon road in BPD pursuit

A Bakersfield man is dead after fleeing from police and driving his vehicle off the road in the Kern River Canyon.

The crash in the canyon was the end of a long chase that police say started with a domestic disturbance last night.

Police say a dispute between a man and woman carried over to this morning.

"Another argument took place during that time he threatened to kill her, the children and fellow employees," said Bakersfield Police Sergeant Mary DeGeare.

Police say the woman contacted BPD at the Chevron gas station near by and that's when her husband showed up driving drunk.

"He drives by, slows down and tells the officer, 'you better follow me into the canyon'," said DeGeare.

Police chased the man up Highway 178 into the Kern River Canyon, at times exceeding 70 miles per hour.

While driving the man made a phone call.

"He calls our communications center and tells the dispatchers he's going to drive over the edge once he gets into the canyon," said DeGeare.

BPD backed off fearing for the safety of the man, themselves and other drivers on the dangerous road.

Three minuets later, police say the man accelerated and went off the road.

Neighbors say there were disputes at the house in the past, but it still shocks what they call a peaceful neighborhood.

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