On April 17, 2025, at approximately 9:40 a.m., Kern County Sheriff's Office Deputies received a report of a suspect that had an active warrant for attempted murder in the 1700 block of Cheatham Avenue. Deputies received report that the suspect, Joshua Pritchard, age 22, was at Belle Terrace Park located in the 1100 block of East Belle Terrace.
A deputy made contact via phone with the victim prior to confirming Pritchard's location. The deputy confirmed, the suspect, Joshua Pritchard had an outstanding warrant for attempted murder.
The deputy arrived near the park and identified a subject at Belle Terrace Park matching Pritchard's description. Multiple deputies drove into the park to make contact with Pritchard and instructed him to get on the ground multiple times. An officer involved shooting occurred.
Kern County Sheriff's Office deputies rendered medical aid to Pritchard until medical personnel responded.
Joshua Pritchard was pronounced deceased on the scene.
On May 23, 2025, the Kern County Sheriff's Office convened an Incident Review Board examining the use of force in this incident. The use of force in this case was determined to be within policy.
Anyone with additional information regarding this case is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff's Office at (661)861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness at (661)322-4040.
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