[07-23-2024] Kern County, CA – One Person Hospitalized Following Two-Vehicle Hit-And-Run Collision Near Arvin

One person was hospitalized following a two-vehicle hit-and-run collision near Arvin on Tuesday afternoon, July 23, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 1:52 p.m. at the Tejon Highway and Mountain View Road intersection, north of Arvin and northeast of Lamont.

CHP officials stated that an unspecified vehicle struck another car before fleeing in an orchard northwest of where the crash happened. It was reported that the hit-and-run vehicle’s four occupants had a long rifle with them, prompting immediate action from the authorities. 

While CHP handled the crash site, Arvin Police and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office were called to handle the search for the runaway suspects. Soon enough, the air unit of the responding authorities found two people hiding in an orchard.

The two men were later arrested: one was taken into custody without a problem, while the other got bit by a K9 unit. It is unclear if the hit-and-run vehicle was seized at the orchard along with the first two suspects. Authorities said that the two arrested individuals were taken to Lerdo Jail.

The gun that was first reported in the suspects’ possession was believed to be tossed out and was not found by the police. In addition to finding the gun, Arvin Police are still looking for the other two people involved. 

The two-vehicle collision that happened moments before the arrest reportedly resulted in one person getting sent to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The victim’s name, age, and current condition were not released at the time of writing.

It is not immediately known if alcohol, drugs, or speeding played a role in the collision. The official cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the authorities and help determine its circumstances.