Full Notification

On June 18^th, 2015 at about 7:00 am an officer with the Kern High School District began following a vehicle that was driving erratically on Highway 178 near Mile Marker 33 in the Kern River Canyon. The KHSD officer was able to stop the vehicle in the area. A short time later a Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived at the scene of the traffic stop to assist, and the driver of the vehicle fled leading both officers on a pursuit.

The driver, identified as 23 year old Jacob Potochnik, led officers on a pursuit reaching speeds of about 60 mph. At one point Potochnik began driving on a dirt road, struck a fence, and wrecked the vehicle. He then fled on foot.

Deputies set up a perimeter and requested the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit and a K-9 Unit. The California Highway Patrol also assisted. A short time later Potochnik was located and taken into custody without incident.

Deputies later determined the vehicle Potochnik was driving had been reported stolen from Bakersfield. Potochnik was arrested for possession of stolen property, reckless driving, delaying/obstructing an officer, hit and run, trespassing, evading a peace officer, driving without a license, speeding, and an outstanding warrant for shoplifting. He was booked into the Central Receiving Facility. His bail has been set at $42,873.