Three Injured in Crash Near California Avenue and L Street After Police Pursuit [Bakersfield, CA]

Police Investigate Crash Near California Avenue in Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, CA (August 20, 2026) — Three people suffered injuries in a crash near California Avenue on Thursday night after a vehicle involved in separate law enforcement pursuits crashed into another vehicle, authorities said.

The Bakersfield Police Department said the incident began on August 20, 2026.

At approximately 8:50 p.m., officers received a citywide broadcast about a vehicle pursuit that the Kern County Sheriff’s Office had initiated near West Columbus Street and King Arthur Court.

At about 9:11 p.m., Bakersfield police officers attempted to stop a vehicle in the 3300 block of Panama Street for a traffic enforcement violation.

Officers identified it as the same vehicle previously involved in the Kern County Sheriff’s Office pursuit.

According to police, the driver did not stop for officers, prompting another pursuit. BPD later terminated the chase because of public safety concerns.

Police said the driver, identified as 29-year-old Incoente Chavez, later collided with another vehicle at California Avenue and L Street.

Authorities said Chavez then ran from the scene on foot before officers apprehended him a short time later.

Three people were inside the vehicle struck during the collision. Police said all three suffered injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Authorities did not release additional information about their conditions.

Bakersfield police arrested Chavez on suspicion of evading officers, hit-and-run causing injury, and driving under the influence.

He was booked into the Kern County Lerdo Jail.

An arrest does not constitute a conviction, and the allegations remain subject to the criminal justice process.

Authorities have not released further details about the crash investigation.

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Injured in a Bakersfield Crash? Support Is Available After a Serious Collision

A crash involving a fleeing vehicle can leave innocent motorists and passengers facing injuries, medical treatment, vehicle damage, and significant emotional distress.

Our thoughts are with the three people who were injured in this Bakersfield collision as they recover from the physical and emotional effects of the incident.

When a crash occurs after a police pursuit or an alleged hit-and-run, the circumstances can be especially complicated.

Investigators may need to review police reports, pursuit records, traffic camera footage, witness statements, vehicle damage, roadway evidence, and other information to determine exactly how the collision occurred.

In situations involving an arrest, the criminal case and any questions surrounding an injured person’s recovery may proceed separately.

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Sweet Lawyers can help explain available resources, review relevant information, and assist families in understanding the process that may follow a serious roadway collision.

Crashes involving alleged impaired driving, evading law enforcement, or leaving the scene can raise additional factual and procedural questions.

Because every case is different, it is important to evaluate the specific circumstances rather than make assumptions based solely on an arrest or initial police report.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car crash, hit-and-run collision, or other serious traffic accident, you can learn more about Sweet Lawyers by visiting the Sweet Lawyers official website.

You may also connect with the team through the Sweet Lawyers contact page for more information and compassionate support.

Sweet Lawyers is committed to helping injured individuals and families feel informed, respected, and supported as they navigate the aftermath of a serious crash.