Bakersfield, CA – In the early hours of Saturday, June 20, 2026, a suspected DUI hit-and-run resulted in the death of Gabriel Lopez Ortiz, 66, of Bakersfield, and led to the arrest of Tamera Elsie Popoy, 35, according to KGET.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the accident took place around 12:53 AM at the intersection of Stockdale Highway and Calloway Drive.
Authorities said Ortiz was riding his bicycle westbound through the intersection in the crosswalk when Popoy, traveling southbound, failed to stop for the flashing red signal and struck him. Popoy fled the area and was later found attempting to enter the Westside Parkway, where she was detained and determined to be under the influence.
Ortiz was transported to Kern Medical with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead on June 22 at approximately 1:00 PM. The Kern County Coroner’s Office formally identified him following his death.
Popoy faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, hit-and-run causing death or injury, and driving without a license. Her first court appearance was postponed to July 7.
The intersection of Stockdale Highway and Calloway Drive 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 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.
