Kern County Sheriff’s Office has recently unveiled body-camera and aerial footage documenting a deputy-involved shooting that transpired on May 14, leading to the subsequent demise of a 47-year-old man three days later.

 

According to reports, KCSO’s deputies were initially summoned to the 10000 block of Shellabarger Road on the afternoon of May 14, 2024, to address a ‘keep the peace’ and ‘wellness check’ request. Following this, they received reports about an individual, purportedly under the influence of cocaine and in possession of an ‘AR-15-style rifle,’ experiencing a mental health crisis at the same location.

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KCSO has also released audio recordings of the 911 calls made by the man’s girlfriend, seeking assistance from law enforcement for a wellness check.

 

However, upon their arrival, it was concluded by deputies that the situation was nothing more than a civil issue. The man, later identified as Robert Robinson, evidently declined to vacate the premises at that juncture, exhibiting no apparent signs of posing a threat to himself or others, as stated by KCSO. Following the completion of the call for service, the deputies departed from the vicinity.

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Later that same day, at around 8 p.m., the girlfriend placed another 911 call, reporting that Robinson was armed with a firearm, signaling another episode of a mental health crisis. This was further corroborated by numerous neighbors who also contacted 911 to express their concerns and recount Robinson’s erratic behavior.

 

In response to the ensuing apprehension, deputies were called back to the location along with the Air Support Unit, while the K-9 unit was dispatched to investigate the reports of Robinson potentially being armed and suicidal.

 

Upon their arrival at approximately 8:30 p.m., deputies initiated efforts to engage Robinson in dialogue, which persisted for around 30 minutes. Video evidence released by KCSO depicts the Air Support Unit and deputies issuing verbal commands to Robinson.

 

The situation took a dire turn when the man opened fire at the deputies, prompting a retaliatory response from one of the deputies. Robinson sustained injuries from the exchange of gunfire and was subsequently attended to by medical personnel before being transported to the hospital for medical intervention.

 

He was taken into custody for the attempted murder of a peace officer, as per KCSO’s official statement. Notably, the employment of force in this particular incident was deemed to be consistent with department policy, as emphasized by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Robinson succumbed to his injuries on May 17, 2024.