Ruben Jose Vega, 34, was found with apparent gunshot wounds on Oregon Street in East Bakersfield on January 2, 2021. Deputies from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office responded about 3:38 p.m. after reports of a shooting. Vega was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Witnesses told investigators they saw a vehicle fleeing the area, though it was not immediately clear if that vehicle was directly involved in the shooting. Authorities continued an investigation to establish what happened and who was responsible.

If anyone saw activity on Oregon Street around midafternoon on January 2, 2021, or remembers a vehicle leaving the scene, please share what was seen with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.