Summary
The City of Bakersfield has agreed to pay $22 million to settle a lawsuit related to a 2023 crash involving a police pursuit. The crash resulted in the death of Mario Lares and severe injuries to Ana Hernandez. The settlement avoids a court trial and assigns financial compensation to the victims' families.
Key Facts
- Bakersfield settled the lawsuit for $22 million over a 2023 police chase crash.
- The crash at a poorly lit intersection killed Mario Lares and injured Ana Hernandez.
- The officer involved, Ricardo Robles, was accused of driving through a stop sign at high speed without lights or a siren.
- Supervisors had reportedly called off the pursuit before the crash occurred.
- Robles pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter and received probation and community service.
- The settlement resolves the civil case without a jury decision, providing financial support to the victims' families.
