Police Officer David Joseph Nelson

Police Officer David Joseph Nelson

Bakersfield Police Department, California

End of Watch Friday, June 26, 2015

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David Joseph Nelson

Police Officer David Nelson was killed in a vehicle crash while involved in a vehicle pursuit at approximately 2:40 a.m.

The pursuit started when he attempted to conduct a traffic stop of an unlicensed vehicle. He chased the car for several blocks until his cruiser left the roadway and struck a retaining wall and a utility pole at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Panorama Drive, causing the engine compartment to ignite. Responding officers located his vehicle and removed him from the wreckage before the patrol car became engulfed in flames.

He was transported to Kern Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

The vehicle he was pursuing continued to flee. The driver was arrested the following day after police received an anonymous tip about the vehicle. The driver was arrested and charged with evading an officer resulting in injury or death, hit and run resulting in injury or death, obstructing arrest, felon in possession of a firearm, and other charges. The driver was sentenced to 31 years to life in May 2018.

Officer Nelson had served with the Bakersfield Police Department for two years. He is survived by his parents and two brothers.

In October 2016, Hosking Bridge was renamed to Bakersfield Police Officer David Nelson Memorial Bridge.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge 1191

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicle pursuit
  • Weapon Automobile
  • Offender Sentenced to 31 years+

vehicle pursuit, traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

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As I sit here and write about you for a scholarship in your honor, I weep at the loss that we have all endured because you were taken so young. Thank you for your service and I know there are many who strive to be better because of who you were.

Rebecca
scholarship writer

March 13, 2020

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