Bakersfield Grocery Store Robbery Turns Fatal as Man Is Shot and Killed While Trying to Intervene; Two Teen Suspects Arrested
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA — A Friday night grocery store robbery in Bakersfield turned deadly after a 22-year-old man was shot and killed while attempting to intervene, according to Bakersfield police. The shooting occurred in the parking lot of a Foods Co. location on White Lane, leaving the community shaken and two teenage suspects in custody.
Shooting Reported During Store Robbery Attempt
Police say officers were dispatched to the Foods Co. parking lot after receiving reports of gunfire late Friday night. When officers arrived, they found a man lying in the parking lot suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency medical efforts.
Victim Identified as 22-Year-Old Joseph Macias
Authorities later identified the victim as Joseph Macias, 22, who family members say was attempting to stop a robbery when the shooting occurred.
According to police, what was expected to be an ordinary Friday evening quickly escalated into violence as the suspects fled the store.
Teen Suspects Accused of Stealing Alcohol Before Shooting
Detectives say two 17-year-old male suspects allegedly stole alcohol from inside the Foods Co. store before running toward the parking lot.
Investigators believe Macias attempted to intervene during the escape, at which point the suspects allegedly opened fire.
Multiple Charges Filed Against Teenagers
Both teenage suspects were taken into custody shortly after the shooting. Police say they now face multiple serious charges, including:
- Homicide
- Robbery
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Gang participation
Authorities have not released additional details about a possible motive or whether the suspects were known to the victim.
Family and Community Mourn Sudden Loss
Family members told local media they are heartbroken over the loss of Joseph Macias, describing him as someone who tried to do the right thing in a dangerous situation.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the robbery and shooting, urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
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