Kern County Sheriff's release bodycam of a fatal shooting during a wellness check of a suicidal man
By: The Kern County Sheriff’s Office released body-camera and aerial video of a deputy-involved shooting on May 14 that left one man to die three days later.
KCSO said on the afternoon of May 14, 2024, deputies responded to a ‘keep the peace’ and ‘wellness check’ request in the 10000 block of Shellabarger Road.
Later that day, deputies received multiple reports that a man allegedly under the influence of cocaine and in possession of an AR-15 style rifle, who was having a mental health crisis at the same address.
KCSO released audio of the 911 call made by the man’s girlfriend asking for a wellness check for deputies.
KCSO said deputies responded and found that the situation was a civil issue.
The man, identified as 47-year-old Robert Robinson, refused to get out of the home at that time, but did not display any signs of being a danger to himself or anyone else, according to KCSO.
KCSO said deputies completed the call for service and left the area.
According to KCSO, the girlfriend called 911 at around 8 p.m. to report Robinson was armed with a gun and was allegedly having a mental health crisis. KCSO released audio of the second 911 call and the third 911 call.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office said neighbors began to call 911 for fear of safety and to report his erratic behavior. KCSO released calls from the neighbors.
The sheriff’s office said deputies and the Air Support Unit were called to the scene at around 8:15 p.m. and K-9 unit dispatched at 8:18 p.m. to investigate reports that Robinson was possibly armed with a weapon and suicidal.
KCSO said deputies arrived on scene at around 8:30 p.m. and tried to talk to Robinson. There were active negotiations with Robinson for about 30 minutes.
KCSO released video of Air Support and deputies giving verbal commands and calls for negotiations.
The man shot at deputies, and a deputy returned fire.
Robinson was struck and treated by medical personnel before being taken to the hospital for treatment.
Robinson was arrested for attempted murder of a peace officer. He died from his injuries on May 17, 2024.
The use of force in this incident was determined to be within department policy.