BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Prosecutors have brought charges against the man police were chasing when a patrol vehicle slammed into a car on South Vineland Road — killing a man and seriously injuring a woman.
Michael Monte Stephens Jr., 23, is charged with vehicular manslaughter, evading a peace officer causing death and other offenses, according to court records.
He joins former BPD officer Ricardo Robles — the driver of the patrol vehicle — in being charged with manslaughter in the crash that occurred early Jan. 23, 2023, at the intersection of South Vineland and Muller roads.
According to the probable declaration, Stephens, spotted in a stolen vehicle, led police on a high-speed chase, drove in the wrong direction and ran red lights and stop signs.
The stolen vehicle became disabled and Stephens was taken into custody, according to the declaration. He was later released pending completion of the investigation.
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