SACRAMENTO, CA – California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Amanda Ray today issued the following statement on the arrest of three suspects charged with murder in a freeway shooting in Bakersfield:
CHP Commissioner Ray
“I offer my condolences to the victim’s family and all those impacted by this senseless act of freeway violence. The CHP remains steadfast in its commitment to reducing violent crimes on California’s highways.
“I am grateful for the professionalism and hard work of the CHP investigators and members of the Bakersfield Police Department who worked tirelessly to quickly arrest three suspects in this case. Rest assured that the CHP will continue to work closely with the Kern County District Attorney to bring the victim’s family justice.
“The violence on California’s freeways is troublesome, and it is the goal of the CHP to prevent these crimes from happening through continued analysis, active enforcement, and a strong presence throughout the state. Highly trained CHP investigators will continue to actively investigate every instance of freeway violence and arrest those responsible, as was done in this case.”
On May 5, the CHP responded to the scene of a single vehicle crash on eastbound State Route 58 east of Union Avenue where the driver had been shot and killed. With the assistance of the Bakersfield Police Department, CHP investigators on May 7 arrested Taeviyon Jamil Wandick, 22, and Denell Martray King, 23, of Bakersfield. On May 9, the Bakersfield Police Department arrested Christopher Thompson, 19, of Bakersfield. All three were booked into the Kern County Central Receiving Facility on multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder and assault with a firearm.
Follow link for Original Press Release 5-10-22 SR-58 Freeway Shooting Press Release
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