Bakersfield police release video of a deadly shooting after a ShotSpotter call then shot at officers

The Bakersfield Police Department has released body camera video of an officer-involved shooting, that happened on January 18, on Chester Avenue, leaving a Washington man dead.

Chief of Police Greg Terry said, “The public has a legitimate interest in obtaining timely and accurate information about police shootings, and the Bakersfield Police Department is committed to making that information available. We will release the body-worn camera footage of officers in critical incidents as soon as it is possible to do so without compromising an investigation. This is our commitment to accountability and professionalism.”

On January 18th, 2024, at around 2:24 a.m., the Bakersfield Police Department received a ShotSpotter activation for one round fired in the 1300 block of Chester Avenue.

When officers responded, they encountered an armed suspect in a vehicle.

The suspect fired at officers and an officer-involved shooting happened, according to police.

From the body-worn camera video, two shootings involving police happened.

A witness notified officers the suspect had been in possession of an object that appeared to be a grenade or explosive device.

Due to the suspect being armed and the possibility of an explosive device, officers requested additional resources, including the Bakersfield Police Department Bomb Squad and an armored vehicle. The Kern County Sheriff’s Department helped the investigation by providing two armored vehicles.

Officers used a robot and drone to ensure the scene was safe before approaching the suspect vehicle.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

A rifle and 24 fired shell casings were located inside the vehicle.

Bakersfield police identified the suspect as Esmeraldo Martinez Vivanco. The coroner’s office identified him as 46-year-old Alejandro Avalos of Vancouver, Washington.

The report said Avalos had numerous aliases that he went by. His identity was confirmed by fingerprints through the FBI and DEA as Alejandro Avalos.