BAKERSFIELD — Governor Gavin Newsom’s strategy to improve public safety in the Central Valley through a crime suppression partnership with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Bakersfield Police Department, and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office continues to produce strong results. Following the Governor’s announcement of the partnership in April, the operation has resulted in 1,623 arrests, 677 recovered stolen vehicles, and the seizure of 47 crime-linked firearms. This month there were a number of notable arrests and seizures, including the arrests of two suspects in possession of twelve illegal guns.

“I thank the California Highway Patrol for their strong partnership with local law enforcement in Bakersfield. Their focused enforcement efforts are addressing the unique challenges of the Central Valley to make the region safer for everyone,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Kern County has higher rates of property crime, violent crime, and arrests compared to the statewide average. In April, Governor Newsom launched a coordinated enforcement effort in Bakersfield to continue improving public safety, address roadway violence, and stop criminal activity. Through a state and city partnership, the CHP saturates high-crime areas of mutual interest, aiming to reduce roadway violence and criminal activity in the area, specifically vehicle theft and organized retail crime. 

In August, Governor Newsom expanded this effort with a new partnership with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office to collaborate on dismantling criminal networks driving retail theft, car thefts, and violent crimes in Kern County communities.

On September 28, the ongoing enforcement operation led to the arrest of two suspects, who after being stopped by CHP officers on Route 58, were found to have a cache of illegal firearms hidden in the spare tire compartment. Officers discovered five handguns and seven rifles, including a stolen firearm and an unserialized ghost gun.

(Photo Source：The Governor Office Newsroom)