Joshua Pritchard dies in fatal Bakersfield officer shooting
Fatal Bakersfield officer shooting death of Joshua Pritchard – Obituary
Authorities in Bakersfield have released body camera footage showing the fatal deputy-involved shooting of 22-year-old Joshua Pritchard at a park in the southeastern part of the city.
The incident occurred on the morning of April 17, 2025, around 9:40 a.m., when Kern County deputies responded to a report concerning a man with an active arrest warrant for attempted murder. The man, later identified as Pritchard, was said to be near Belle Terrace Park on Cheatman Avenue.
According to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the report came from a woman who claimed Pritchard had previously stabbed her 20 times in February. Deputies made phone contact with Pritchard to confirm his presence in the area and to verify the outstanding warrant against him.
Upon arrival, deputies spotted an individual matching his description. Officers issued repeated commands for him to lie on the ground. A confrontation ensued, resulting in deputies firing their weapons. They attempted to provide medical assistance until emergency responders arrived, but Pritchard was pronounced dead at the scene.
Footage from the deputies’ body-worn cameras captured one deputy indicating the presence of a knife, which was later found on Pritchard.
Following the incident, Deputies Brandon Hicks, Oscar Artiga, and Jose Chavez were placed on administrative leave while the investigation proceeds. An internal review conducted on May 23 determined that the use of force complied with departmental policies.
Kristel Pritchard, Joshua’s sister, told reporters she made the initial call hoping law enforcement would detain her brother and get him the mental health treatment she felt he needed. She expressed regret, stating she wanted him arrested, not killed.
Authorities are urging anyone with further details about the case to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or reach out to Kern Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.
