Community Mourns Loss of Young Man in Tragic Bakersfield Hit-and-Run [Bakersfield, CA]

BAKERSFIELD, CA (March 27, 2024) — The community of northeast Bakersfield is in mourning following the tragic loss of 21-year-old Jonathan Chaidez Soto, who was fatally struck in a hit-and-run incident on Feb. 21. The Kern County Coroner’s Office confirmed Soto as the victim of the devastating event that occurred at the intersection of Columbus and Rice Streets.

Authorities report that the driver of a dark sedan, traveling eastbound on the 2500 block of Columbus Street, hit Soto as he crossed northbound in an unmarked crosswalk. Despite efforts to locate the driver, the individual fled the scene, leaving Soto fatally injured in the road.

The coroner has determined that Soto’s death resulted from blunt force injuries, classifying the manner of his death as accidental. The Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) is actively seeking information on the Bakersfield hit-and-run to bring justice for Soto and his loved ones.