California Arrests Highlight Gun, Drug Violations in Ridgecrest, Bakersfield

In Ridgecrest on Oct. 21, 2025, officers arrested 21-year-old Gavin Pitman after a search warrant uncovered an illegal FA-91 .308 rifle—classified as an assault weapon under California law—that he allegedly tried to trade for two handguns; police deployed a BearCat and Crisis Response Unit, temporarily locked down nearby schools, and took Pitman into custody without incident. In southeast Bakersfield on Oct. 20, 2025, multiple agencies arrested 52-year-old Mario Flores after an initial traffic stop and search of his home turned up about 2.4 pounds of suspected cocaine, three handguns and roughly $32,900, leading to suspected drug‑trafficking and firearms charges. On Oct. 14, 2025, Ridgecrest investigators identified and, with San Bernardino County deputies, arrested 45-year-old Felipe Hernandez in Trona on charges related to a shooting that left a victim with major but non‑life‑threatening injuries; he was booked into the Kern County Lerdo Jail. Police leaders highlighted the coordinated, professional efforts of allied agencies in safely executing these high‑risk investigations.