Bakersfield, CA – In the early hours of Saturday, June 20, 2026, a suspected DUI hit-and-run left a bicyclist losing his life and led to the arrest of Tamera Elsie Popoy, 35, according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the accident took place around 1:05 AM at Stockdale Highway and Calloway Drive.
Authorities said the bicyclist was riding westbound through the intersection in the crosswalk when Popoy, traveling southbound, failed to stop for the flashing red signal and struck him. Popoy reportedly fled the area and was later found attempting to enter the Westside Parkway, where she was detained and determined to be under the influence.
The bicyclist was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. He died on Monday afternoon, prompting Popoy’s charges to be upgraded to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. She had been booked into the Kern County Lerdo Detention Center on felony driving under the influence causing injury at the time of her initial arrest.
The intersection of Stockdale Highway and Calloway Drive has three lanes of traffic in all four directions and is controlled by four-way automated traffic signals, which were set to flashing red due to ongoing construction and were functioning properly at the time of the crash.
The identity of the deceased was to be released by the Kern County Coroner’s Office. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bakersfield Police Department. The investigation remains ongoing.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Bicycle Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a duty of care towards bicyclists, which includes being vigilant for those travelling by bicycle and, if a collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a bicycle accident, filing a wrongful death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
Bakersfield Fatal Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield fatal bicycle accident lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
