BAKERSFIELD, CA – Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) released the following statement applauding joint operations between the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Bakersfield law enforcement that have resulted in 470 arrests for illegal activities, 244 stolen vehicles recovered, and 10 crime-linked firearms seized:

“I join the City of Bakersfield and its residents in applauding the tremendous efforts of our local law enforcement officers for their partnership with the California Highway Patrol resulting in numerous arrests. Every single arrest and recovered stolen good makes Bakersfield’s streets safer in the ongoing effort to reduce overall criminal activity,” said Senator Melissa Hurtado. “As I indicated back in 2023 when I first requested that the California Attorney General create a special law enforcement task force: small, underserved communities throughout the Valley deserve to feel safe, and the State of California has a duty to provide our communities with the resources at its disposal to bring those perpetrating crimes to justice.”

The arrests are the result of a multi-pronged, collaborative effort between California Highway Patrol and localized law enforcement agencies across California in communities ranging from Bakersfield to Oakland. The crime-fighting efforts combat offenses ranging from organized retail theft to vehicle theft and violent crimes.

Senator Melissa Hurtado is Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and currently represents the 16th Senate District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties. 

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