Tehachapi News

UPDATE (2): Golden Hills stabbing suspect arrested in Bakersfield

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Branden Michael Jackson, 27, was arrested at 9 a.m. in the 8200 block of Hawkeye Drive near Ridgeview High School.

Kern County Sheriff metro patrol deputies arrested Jackson as he attempted to leave a residence. He was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

The search for a suspect began five days ago after an unidentified white male fled the 21000 block of Santa Barbara Drive in Golden Hills after he allegedly stabbed resident Dominic Bonilla.

According to the sheriff’s office, Bonilla argued then fought with a male suspect who ha d been at the apartment with a group of people.

Witnesses reported that an unidentified motorist near the Broome Road exit on Highway 58 had dropped off the suspect.

Bonilla, 35, was transported to Kern Medical Center and treated for stab wounds to the torso and left hand, according to Wood.

He was listed in stable condition.

A sheriff’s helicopter utilized infrared, night vision technology to identify “hot spots” amidst the rugged terrain below, assisting as many as seven ground patrol units including California Highway Patrol. Law enforcement teams searched the rural area in cold and rainy conditions until well after midnight. 

“Our infrared works real good in this weather, unfortunately you can’t always tell if it’s a human or a deer,” Sgt. Wood said.

 Several area residents cooperated with the search team, as private homes, outbuildings and garages were inspected after hot spots and unusual disturbances were reported in the area.

A follow-up investigation led deputies to believe Jackson might have been staying in a home in the 8200 block of Hawkeye Drive.

Jackson also had five active arrest warrants for traffic, drug and weapons violations, according to the sheriff’s office.

His bail was set at $630,000.

Officers from Stallion Springs P.D. and Tehachapi P.D. also assisted in the search for the suspect.