Traffic stop leads to pursuit and arrests
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Two men were arrested and two firearms were recovered after an attempted traffic stop led to a brief pursuit in east Bakersfield, according to information released by the Bakersfield Police Department and reported Thursday by BakersfieldNow and 23ABC.
Police said Special Enforcement Unit officers attempted to stop a vehicle at approximately 10:30 p.m. Wednesday near Columbus Street and Alta Vista Drive. The driver allegedly refused to stop, and officers pursued the vehicle for a short distance.
The vehicle was later found in the 700 block of Knotts Street. Police allege that two men left the vehicle, ran into an apartment building and were later taken into custody. Two women who remained inside the vehicle were detained; authorities did not announce that they were arrested or charged.
Read the source: BakersfieldNow: Two arrested and two guns recovered after pursuit ↗
Police report finding an unserialized handgun
During a search of the vehicle, officers reported finding a loaded 9mm Polymer80-style handgun without a serial number, commonly described as a ghost gun.
Police subsequently obtained a warrant to search the apartment and reported recovering a second firearm inside. 23ABC described that gun as registered. Authorities have not publicly said whether either weapon had been fired or connected either firearm to another crime.
The Bakersfield Police Department released an evidence photograph showing a handgun and ammunition recovered during the investigation. The photograph accompanying this article is credited to BPD and does not establish guilt by itself.
Read the source: 23ABC: Two men arrested after brief police pursuit ↗
Men face firearm, resisting and gang allegations
Police identified the arrested men as Jabauri Henderson, 20, and Raymond Lane, 21. BPD said both were arrested on firearm-related, resisting-arrest and gang-related allegations.
Police described the Knotts Street apartment building as a location associated with the East Side Crips. That description and the alleged gang connections come from investigators; they have not been independently established in court.
An arrest is not a conviction. Henderson and Lane are presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Public reporting available Thursday evening did not identify defense attorneys or confirm whether formal charges had been filed in court.
BPD increases patrols amid retaliation concerns
The investigation remains active. BPD said its Special Enforcement Unit will conduct high-visibility and proactive patrols intended to reduce the potential for retaliatory shootings.
Police did not publicly connect these arrests to the Independence High School shooting or any specific retaliatory incident. No such connection should be inferred unless investigators announce one.
Anyone with information about a potential act of violence may call BPD at (661) 327-7111. An immediate threat should be reported to 911, and suspected gang activity may be reported to the Gang Hotline at (661) 325-GANG (4264).
Sources and further reading
BakersfieldNow: Two arrested and two guns recovered after pursuit ↗