April 16, 2025 – Kern County Sheriff's Office officials report that on April 15, 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m., KCSO deputies assigned to Metro Patrol were dispatched to the Rite Aid on South H Street and Ming Avenue for a report of theft in progress. Upon arrival deputies located a subject matching the description of the theft suspect and a foot pursuit ensued. Subsequently an officer involved shooting occurred in the 1700 block of Marshall Street.

All details regarding the officer involved shooting will be released at a later date, pending the completion of critical incident review.

After fleeing, the suspect hid in the backyard of a home in the area of Benton Street and Mark Court. Deputies determined the identity and an approximate location of the suspect.

A SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Team Callout was initiated and the suspect, Jeremy Pletcher, age 34, surrendered and was arrested near the intersection of Benton Street and Mark Court for exhibiting a firearm at a peace officer, attempt murder of a peace officer, theft with 2 or more priors, assault on a person with a semi-automatic firearm, prohibited person in possession of ammunition, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm with a prior felony, resisting/obstructing a peace officer, and resisting a peace officer with force.

Detectives responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

No further information will be released at this time. A video presentation to include body worn camera footage and other relevant information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call (661) 861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.

Source: Kern County Sheriff's Office