Bakersfield, CA – On the morning of Wednesday, June 3, 2026, a high-speed collision during a law enforcement pursuit resulted in the death of an uninvolved woman and led to the arrest of Ramiro Gutierrez-Ramos, 18, according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the accident took place around 8:07 AM at the intersection of East Panama Lane and Tejon Highway.
Authorities said Gutierrez-Ramos, who had an outstanding felony warrant and was believed to be driving a stolen GMC truck with swapped license plates, failed to yield to officers from the Kern County Auto Theft Task Force in the 200 block of Panama Lane, initiating a pursuit.
He reportedly continued eastbound on East Panama Lane for approximately ten miles before entering the intersection at Tejon Highway without stopping at a stop sign controlling eastbound traffic.
The pursuit reached estimated speeds of up to 98 miles per hour before Gutierrez-Ramos struck a woman who was traveling northbound through the intersection. She was the sole occupant of her vehicle, sustained major injuries, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kern County Coroner’s Office was to release her identity at a later time.
A 16-year-old girl who was a passenger in the GMC was not seriously injured. Gutierrez-Ramos and the passenger fled on foot following the crash but were apprehended shortly after. The pursuing patrol vehicle was operating with emergency lights and siren activated and was approximately 500 yards behind the suspect vehicle at the time of the crash.
Gutierrez-Ramos was arrested on charges of vehicular manslaughter, felony evading, possession of a stolen vehicle, child endangerment, and offenses related to his outstanding warrant. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the traffic collision, while Bakersfield police are conducting the related criminal investigation. An administrative investigation is also underway. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department.
Wrongful Death Claim
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide support to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of support for dependents of the deceased.
Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
