October 9, 2026 – Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on October 8, 2026, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Metropolitan Patrol deputies responded to the 1800 block of Pacific Street, for a report of a possible kidnapping that had just occurred. Deputies arrived in the area and spoke with the reporting party and witnesses who stated a female victim in her 30s was being forcefully drug to a white and orange lowered Chevrolet truck by a male subject who was later identified as Joseph Cruz (age 38).

Witnesses stated the female was attempting to pull away from Cruz but was eventually placed in the vehicle prior to the vehicle fleeing the area. Kern County Sheriff’s Office Detectives responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation. Patrol deputies utilized Flock cameras to track the vehicle to East Bakersfield and then initiated specialized units to assist with the arrest. Based on the statements provided to deputies and Detectives, Detectives developed probable cause to arrest Cruz for kidnapping.

Detectives identified the vehicle Cruz was occupying during the time of the kidnapping and conducted surveillance of the area. After several hours, Deputies located Cruz’s vehicle in the 800 block of Exchange. Deputies responded to the area and contacted Cruz at a residence where he was placed into custody. The female victim was located at the residence uninjured. Cruz was later transported and booked into the Sheriff’s jail for the charge of kidnapping, Domestic Violence, Possession of an illegal weapon, and unrelated narcotics charges.

Source: Kern County Sheriff’s Office