UPDATE (2:22 p.m.): On Monday, July 24, 2017 at 7:44 a.m., a City of Bakersfield employee was walking in the rear parking lot of the police department, at which time she observed an obviously deceased subject inside a black SUV.
Investigators responded and located Kerry Pierce (58), of Bakersfield, suffering from a gunshot wound to his head.
A review of Department video showed that on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at 3:36 p.m., Pierce drove his vehicle into the Bakersfield Police Department’s parking lot and parked in a stall located to the rear of the lot.
Pierce and the vehicle remained in the parking lot until he was discovered on today’s date.
The investigation has revealed that on July 23, 2017 Pierce sent several text messages to friends and family which made them concerned for his welfare.
At 3:46 p.m., a friend of Pierce’s contacted the Bakersfield Police Department to report Pierce as missing and possibly suicidal.
Officers arrived at Pierce’s residence at 3:52 p.m., and an investigation was initiated. A description of Pierce and his vehicle was broadcast to local law enforcement agencies.
During a search of Pierce’s vehicle, a handgun, as well as a note describing Pierce’s intent to harm himself were located. The incident was not captured by surveillance cameras. Based on the reporting party’s statements and physical evidence at the scene, this appears to be an apparent suicide. Investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Bakersfield Police Department (661) 327-7111.
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Bakersfield Police Department found the body of a dead man inside of a vehicle inside of their parking lot this morning.
Police say employees of the department were walking to work just before 8 a.m. when they found a dead adult man inside of a vehicle in their parking lot. BPD says the lot is secure and that the man could have come through the gate sometime over the weekend.
The man died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A note was discovered with the man, but the contents of that note are unknown at this time.
BPD is currently reviewing security footage to see when the man may have entered the parking lot.
At this time BPD says it's not a police officer, and the man has not been identified. This story is developing, check back for updates.
