Defense files motion to postpone manslaughter trial against BPD officer

Bakersfield police officer Ricardo Robles, archive photo

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – The attorney for a Bakersfield police officer charged with manslaughter in a fatal traffic crash in 2023 has filed a motion to delay next week’s preliminary hearing.

Defense attorney Kasey A. Castillo stated in her motion that she is currently in a case in San Bernardino County and needs more time to prepare for the hearing. At the hearing, a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to put Officer Ricardo Robles on trial.

In addition, Castillo said she is waiting for more information from the prosecutor’s office.

The hearing of the motion is scheduled for Thursday.

Robles is accused of driving a patrol car over 100 mph on January 19, 2023 – without flashing lights – shortly before he ran a stop sign and crashed into a Honda Accord at the intersection of South Vineland and Muller Road. The Honda did not have a stop sign.

Mario Lares, 31, the driver of the Honda, was killed in the crash at 2:20 a.m. Passenger Ana Hernandez, 34, suffered serious injuries. The Grimmway Farms employees were on their way home.

Robles, 24, has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon (other than a firearm) and reckless driving. The deadly weapon in this case was the patrol vehicle Robles was driving.

He and Officer Travione Cobbins were pursuing a stolen vehicle, but the pursuit was called off at the time of the crash, California Highway Patrol reports say. The patrol vehicle was traveling at more than 70 miles per hour when it entered the intersection, reports say.