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David Cortez

Age : 39

Gender : Male

Race : Latino/a/e

Date : 05/13/2022

Location : White Lane and Hughes Lane

City : Bakersfield

County : Kern

State : California

Agency : Bakersfield Police Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Bystander killed in FARS police-related roadway fatality

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

REASON FOR CRASH: Shortly before the fatal collision, Bakersfield police officers observed a BMW being driven recklessly near South H Street and Planz Road. Police reported that they lost sight of the BMW just before the crash.
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NARRATIVE:
On 05/13/2022, 39-year-old David Cortez of Wasco was killed when a BMW crashed into the Toyota Camry he was driving at White Lane and Hughes Lane in Bakersfield.
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Shortly before 12:30 a.m., Bakersfield Police Department officers observed the BMW being driven recklessly near South H Street and Planz Road. Police reported that they lost sight of the BMW just before the fatal collision. Moments later, officers encountered the crash at White Lane and Hughes Lane.
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Investigators determined that the BMW entered the intersection against a red traffic signal at high speed and collided with Cortez's Toyota Camry. Cortez suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The Kern County Coroner subsequently identified him as 39-year-old David Cortez of Wasco.
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The BMW driver survived with moderate injuries and was transported to a hospital. Bakersfield police alleged that their investigation indicated he had consumed alcohol and a controlled substance. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
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The Kern County District Attorney's Office memorial records independently list David Cortez as having died on 05/13/2022, further confirming the victim's identity and death date.
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SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.turnto23.com/news/local-news/bpd-one-killed-in-crash-after-driver-runs-red-light
https://www.univision.com/local/bakersfield-kabe/david-cortez-murio-embestido-conductor-manejaba-bajo-efectos-alcohol
https://www.kerncounty.com/government/departments/district-attorney/about/our-office/victims-of-violent-crime-memorial