BAKERSFIELD, CA – A man has been taken into custody after firing shots near the Bakersfield Walmart at Fashion Place. According to a report by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, on Monday, December 28, 2020, at approximately 1:17 P.M., the Bakersfield Police Department responded to multiple reports of shots fired and a subject armed with a firearm at the Walmart located at 2601 Fashion Place. An on-duty California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole Agent was in the area, heard the shots and responded. The CDCR Parole Agent was directed by witnesses to the suspect, Rodolfo Romo (31), who had fled into the business. Romo was taken into custody by the Parole Agent.
The investigation revealed that Romo had fired a handgun two times into the air, while in the parking lot of the open business. Romo then discarded the firearm when it appeared to malfunction and fled into the business. The firearm was located and seized. Responding officers evacuated the business, reviewed surveillance footage and interviewed over 100 witnesses.
No one was struck by gunfire. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation. Romo was transported and booked into the Kern County Jail for reckless discharge of a firearm, and associated weapon violations.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.