Officers responded to reports of gunshots at an apartment complex and allegedly saw Abel Gurrola carrying a rifle. Family members state that Abel Gurrola and his brother were shooting the rifle in a nearby empty lot to celebrate the New Year but did nothing to warrant being shot. Officers ordered him to drop the gun, but he refused and ran. Officers were found to be within department policy and state and federal guidelines. Family has filed wrongful death suit. Gurrola left behind a wife and six young children.
Victim's Name: Abel Gurrola
Agency Responsible: Bakersfield Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Race: Hispanic
Date of Death: January 1, 2013
County: Kern
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Justified
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: No
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Geography: Urban