KCSO: Use of force by deputies in Shellabarger Road shooting was in accordance with the rules

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – The Kern County Sheriff’s Office has released an update on the May 14 officer-involved shooting in northwest Bakersfield.

On June 20, a Critical Incident Review Board investigated the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Shellabarger Road on May 14 and concluded that the use of force was consistent with police policy, officials said.

During the incident, officers stated that Robert Robinson fired shots at officers, who then fired back, ultimately killing Robinson.

On Thursday, the sheriff’s office released edited video of the May 14 incident. The video included maps, evidence photos, body-worn cameras and night vision video from a KCSO helicopter. Part of the video showed Robinson emerging from his home with what appeared to be a rifle-like “ghost gun.”

The released video shows officers and an air support unit attempting to reach Robinson via loudspeaker and phone calls to offer assistance. KCSO said officers evacuated nearby residents for safety reasons.

After several calls to Robinson, a KCSO air unit observed Robinson exiting the home with a suspected firearm and then firing at the deputies.

Robinson was taken to a hospital for treatment and was pronounced dead three days after the incident.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110 or Secret Witness at 661-322-4040.