Kern County Sheriff Releases Footage of Deputy-Involved Shooting; a man dies from his injuries

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County Sheriff's Office has released body camera, aerial support and surveillance video of a deputy-involved shooting on May 14 that left a man dead three days later.

KCSO said that on the afternoon of May 14, 2024, deputies responded to a request for a “peace keeping” and “welfare check” in the 10000 block of Shellabarger Road.

Later that day, deputies received multiple reports that a man, allegedly under the influence of cocaine and in possession of an AR-15 style rifle, was suffering a mental health crisis at the same address .

KCSO released the audio recording of the 911 call made by the man's girlfriend requesting a welfare check for deputies.

RELATED: KCSO: Man hospitalized after deputy-involved shooting in northwest Bakersfield

KCSO said deputies responded and found the situation to be a civil problem.

The man, identified as 47-year-old Robert Robinson, refused to come out of the home at the time but showed no signs of danger to himself or anyone else, according to KCSO.

KCSO said deputies responded to the call for service and left the area.

According to KCSO, the girlfriend called 911 around 8 p.m. to report that Robinson was armed with a gun and was suffering a mental health crisis. KCSO released the audio recording of the second 911 call and the third 911 call.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office said neighbors began calling 911 out of fear for their safety and to report his erratic behavior. KCSO released the neighbors' calls.

The sheriff's office said deputies and the Air Support Unit were called to the scene around 8:15 p.m. and the K-9 unit was dispatched at 8:18 p.m. to investigate reports that Robinson may have been armed with a weapon and suicidal.

KCSO said officers arrived on scene around 8:30 p.m. and attempted to speak with Robinson. Active negotiations took place with Robinson for approximately 30 minutes.

KCSO released video of air support and deputies giving verbal orders and calls for negotiations.

The man shot at deputies and one deputy returned fire.

Robinson was struck and treated by medical personnel before being taken to hospital for treatment.

RELATED: Man dies three days after deputy-involved shooting during standoff in northwest Bakersfield: Coroner

Robinson was arrested for attempted murder of a peace officer. He died from his injuries on May 17, 2024.

On June 20, 2024, the Kern County Sheriff's Office convened a Critical Incident Review Board to review the use of force in this incident.

The use of force in this incident was determined to be consistent with department policy.

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