Death by Cop 2026
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Michah Cleary
Age : 41
Gender : Male
Race : White
Date : 06/18/2026
Location : 300 block of E. California Ave.
City : Ridgecrest
County : Kern
State : California
Agency : Ridgecrest Police Department
Officer(s) :Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during traffic stop
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 06/18/2026, officers with the Ridgecrest Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of East California Avenue after police reported that Michah Cleary failed to stop at a stop sign. According to authorities, Cleary became uncooperative during the stop, and officers attempted to de-escalate the encounter. Police reported that Cleary pointed a handgun in the direction of officers, and an officer fired, striking him. Cleary was transported to a hospital and later transferred to Kern Medical, where he died from his injuries on 06/19/2026. Police stated that Cleary had an outstanding warrant for assault with a deadly weapon. Under an existing agreement, the Kern County Sheriff's Office is conducting the independent criminal investigation while the Ridgecrest Police Department conducts an internal review. The investigation remains ongoing.