Uninvolved Woman Killed in High-Speed Crash After Suspect Flees Bakersfield Police

A woman who was not involved in a law enforcement pursuit was killed Tuesday morning in a high-speed crash in southeast Bakersfield after an 18-year-old suspect fled from officers, according to the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD).

At approximately 8:07 a.m. Tuesday, BPD officers responded to assist the Kern County Auto Theft Task Force with a traffic stop involving Ramiro Gutierrez-Ramos, 18, who had a felony warrant and was believed to be driving a stolen vehicle, police said.

The vehicle, a GMC truck, had swapped license plates. Gutierrez-Ramos also had an outstanding warrant for evading law enforcement.

A 16-year-old girl was a passenger in the GMC.

Gutierrez-Ramos failed to yield in the 200 block of Panama Lane, initiating a pursuit. He continued eastbound for about ten miles on East Panama Lane and entered the intersection at Tejon Highway, where he failed to stop at a stop sign controlling eastbound traffic, according to police.

The pursuit reached estimated speeds of up to 98 miles per hour before Gutierrez-Ramos crashed into an uninvolved woman's vehicle as she traveled northbound through the intersection. She suffered major injuries and died at the scene.

The Kern County Coroner's Office will release her identity at a later time.

After the crash, Gutierrez-Ramos and the passenger attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended a short time later, police said. Neither sustained serious injuries.

BPD stated that the patrol vehicle pursuing the suspect was operating with its 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 the outstanding Ramey warrant. He will be transported and booked into the Kern County jail.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the traffic collision, while Bakersfield police are conducting the related criminal investigation. An administrative investigation will also be conducted.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.