Bakersfield, CA – On the morning of Saturday, May 3, 2025, a hit-and-run collision caused fatal injuries to a male pedestrian and led to the arrest of a suspect, according to KGET.
The authorities report that the accident took place around 6:23 AM on the eastbound lanes of Westside Parkway near the Mohawk Street off-ramp.
Officers with the Bakersfield Police Department arrived to find a man deceased in the roadway. Evidence gathered at the scene led investigators to conclude that the victim had been struck by a vehicle that fled without stopping. Later that same afternoon, police located the suspected vehicle involved in the 7300 block of Stockdale Highway.
At approximately 6:14 PM, officers arrested 51-year-old Tomice Lee Fryman Jr. on suspicion of hit-and-run causing death and driving on a suspended license. Fryman, who has multiple prior convictions related to driving under the influence, is currently being held on over $500,000 bail. Although he has an extensive history of DUI-related offenses, booking records for this incident do not list any current DUI charges.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released by the Kern County Coroner’s Office. The case remains under active investigation, and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department.
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.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for bicyclists with whom they share the road and, if a fatal 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.
