Two arrested on suspected firearm, gang member charges
With the help of Kern County Probation officers, the Bakersfield Police Department arrested two men while executing search warrants this week.
On Tuesday at about 6:26 p.m. officers conducted a search warrant in the 3600 block of Marriott Drive, where Anthony Dabbs, 32, was arrested without incident. He was booked into the Kern County Jail on suspicion of various firearms charges, including felon in possession of a firearm, gang member in possession of a firearm and possession of cocaine base for sales.
Then on Wednesday at about 1:30 a.m. officers conducted a search warrant in the 4200 block of Isla Verde Street, where Jaques Ramey, 28, was arrested without incident. He was booked into the Kern County Jail on suspicion of various firearm charges including felon in possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm and gang member in possession of a firearm.
“These investigations are part of the ongoing efforts of BPD and law enforcement partners to proactively disrupt and impact the cycle of gang violence affecting the community,” BPD said in the news release. “These efforts are being combined with community outreach and preventative programs.”
Anyone with information regarding these investigations are encouraged to call BPD at 327-7111.
For more information regarding programs offered by BPD and community partners, call 326-3503.
The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for community assistance locating a missing 17-year-old girl who is considered at-risk due to a medical condition.
Haley Stephens was last seen on Sept. 20 at 9:24 p.m. in the 6400 block of Easter Lily Court, according to BPD.
BPD described Stephens as a white female, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 165 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes, BPD said.
She was last seen wearing a black and burgundy shirt, colorful pajama bottoms and no shoes.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact BPD at 327-7111.
The Bakersfield Police Department has put out a warning concerning a “virtual kidnapping” phone scam that’s circulated locally.
The phone scam involves a victim being told their family member has been kidnapped and a ransom is demanded. These cases have primarily involved parents of missing and runaway juveniles after they post their home phone numbers on social media in an attempt to locate their loved one, BPD said in a news release.
None of these incidents have been legitimate kidnappings and all cases so far have occurred following a public posting containing personal contact information, BPD said.
“Unlike traditional abductions, virtual kidnappers have not actually kidnapped anyone,” BPD said in a news release. “Instead, through deceptions and threats, they coerce victims to pay a quick ransom before the scheme falls apart.”
BPD said the following should be considered if you receive a call, which usually comes from other area codes, states or countries:
■ Attempt to contact the alleged victim via phone call, text or social media, and request that they call back from their cell phone.
■ Contact family members to determine if they’ve also been called.
■ Do not disclose your loved one’s name or provide any identifying information.
■ Try to slow the situation down. The success of any type of virtual kidnapping scheme depends on speed and fear. Criminals know they only have a short time to exact a ransom before the victims unravel the scam or authorities become involved.
■ Request to speak to your family member directly. Ask, “How do I know my loved one is OK?”
■ Ask questions only the alleged kidnapped victim would know, such as the name of a pet. Avoid sharing information about yourself or your family.
■ Listen carefully to the voice of the alleged victim. Often it’s someone posing as the kidnapped victim.
■ To buy time repeat the caller’s request, tell them you’re writing down the demand or tell the caller you need more time.
■ Don’t agree to meet the caller in person.
■ If you suspect a real kidnapping is taking place or you believe a ransom demand is a scheme, immediately call 911.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to BPD at 327-7111.
A magnitude 3.2 earthquake hit northeast of Ridgecrest early Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The quake was recorded at 7:17 a.m. at 7.3 km depth, USGS reported. USGS classified it as a level three on the Modified Mercalli intensity scale, which means there was “weak” shaking and likely no damage.