Lake Isabella, CA – A man is dead following an officer-involved shooting early Saturday morning in Kern Valley, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched around 1:40 a.m. on January 11, 2026, to the area of Kilbreth Avenue and Lake Isabella Boulevard after receiving reports of a male subject firing a handgun.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies located the suspect, who then fled toward Highway 178, where a confrontation occurred and gunfire was exchanged. Deputies provided medical aid, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene after medical personnel arrived.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. Homicide detectives have assumed control of the investigation.
Officials confirmed that all officer-involved shootings are reviewed by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office for criminal review. Additional information will be made public once the investigation concludes.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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