The Kern County Sheriff’s Office would like to advise the public that the Sheriff’s Office is reducing the size of the search area and as a result will be reducing the number of law enforcement officers in the area. The Sheriff’s Office will be closing the Command Post for this incident at the end of the search on Sunday, August 16th, 2015 at 6:00 pm.
The Sheriff’s Office is advising residents in the Weldon, Kelso Valley, Jawbone Canyon, Claraville, and Twin Oaks area to use caution and report any suspicious activity or possible sightings of 34 year old Benjamin Peter Ashley to the Sheriff’s Office immediately.
A no bail warrant has been issued for Ashley’s arrest charging him with kidnapping, murder, and attempt murder of a peace officer.
To report an emergency call 9-1-1. To report information, please call the Sheriff’s Office TIPLINE at 661-392-4360 or Secret Witness at 661-322-4040.
The Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind residents in the area and those visiting the area that the Emergency Closure Order issued by the US Forest Service for the Piute Mountains and the Pacific Crest Trail are still in effect until further notice.
