A stabbing suspect is dead following an officer involved shooting just before 5pm yesterday in Oildale.  Sheriff’s investigators say a man was stabbed in the upper body while in the front yard of a home in the 100-block of Woodrow Avenue.  When deputies arrived on scene they found the suspect, 33-year-old Caleb Blackburn, displaying bizarre behavior and refusing to cooperate with deputies.  At one point, detectives say, Blackburn grabbed a deputy's weapon and tried to remove it from the holster. A tazer was used on Blackburn, however, it had no effect.  As the struggle for the weapon continued, another deputy shot Blackburn.  He was taken to Kern Medical Center where he died less than an hour later.  The stabbing victim, 61-year-old Danny Jones, went to KMC where he was treated and released. 

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A demonstration was held yesterday by witnesses who filmed the in-custody death of David Silva last week. The group marched in front of the Beale Library to protest what they call the "excessive force" used by deputies. The protestors reportedly believe those involved should face charges.  Meanwhile, funeral services were held for Silva yesterday afternoon. And, the cell phone video of the incident could be released to the public as early as today. 

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Just to the north of us, two Visalia police officers are recovering after being shot by a suspect during a chase yesterday afternoon. One is in critical condition and the other was shot in the shoulder.  Both officers are with the department's gang unit.

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The Grand Fire continues to burn near Frazier Park, however, improving weather conditions are allowing crews to make some progress.  Kern County Fire officials say the blaze has now consumed around 38-hundred acres and containment is about 25-percent.  The flames are not threatening any homes and no injuries have been reported.  Hungry Valley State park will remain closed until further notice and roads entering the park and the Piru Creek area are also closed.  Frazier Mountain High School is back in session today.  It was being used as a staging area for crews yesterday.

Meanwhile, smoke from the fire is visible from I-Five, so you should be extra careful and keep your eyes on the road while driving in the area.  And the Valley Air District has issued a health cautionary statement for the Frazier Park area due to the smoke from the fire.  Officials say, depending on the wind, the smoke could make its way into the valley portion of Kern County over the weekend.  You are urged to take the necessary precautions, and try stay inside when you see smoke.   

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Residents of an apartment complex were evacuated yesterday when a fire broke out in a near-by garage and on an adjacent power pole.  City fire crews say there was a large amount of combustible material inside the garage, and the flames were threatening the complex. Firefighters were able to keep the blaze from spreading.  No one was hurt and damage is estimated at 20-thousand dollars. The cause is under investigation.

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An inmate serving life for an attempted murder in San Diego is now suspected of killing his cellmate at Kern Valley State Prison in Delano. The 27-year-old victim was found in his cell suffering from an assault.  He was taken to Delano Regional Medical Center where he later died. Investigators believe his cellmate, 43-year-old Dennis Bratton, is responsible.  The investigation continues.

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Bakersfield police are looking into an alleged assault at the Rehabilitation Center of Bakersfield on Mt. Vernon Avenue.  A staff member told officers they saw, what they thought was, a sexual assault by one patient on another.  The investigation is ongoing and a report will be sent to the D-A's office for a review of possible charges.  Anyone with information in the case is asked to call Bakersfield police.

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The search is on for a parolee registered sex offender who has gone missing.  Kern County Sheriff's officials say a warrant has been issued for 42-year-old Robert Phillips.  He is described as White, about 6-feet tall, 160 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes.  He has several tattoos on his upper body and neck.  If you have information on Phillips, call the sheriff's office or Secret Witness at 322-4040.

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Local Veterans will no long need to carry a copy of their discharge papers to take advantage of special deals and offers.  The Department of Veteran Services will now issue a credit card type identification to provide proof of service.  The cards will be unique to Kern County.  You can stop by the local Veteran's Service Department on Golden State Avenue, with your discharge paperwork and a photo I-D, to fill out your application.

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The Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free E-Waste Recycling Event tomorrow.  Items can be dropped off in the Chamber parking lot off 18th Street from 9am until 1pm.  The Chamber will earn credit for items dropped off during the event and all proceeds will benefit the agency's work in our community.

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The first desert bighorn lamb born at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield is about to make its debut.  The newest arrival will be on display during CALM's 30th Birthday Bash tomorrow.  However, because of her age, she will only be out for one hour, between 10 and11am.

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Are you planning to walk down the isle soon?  Then head on over to the Kern County Museum on Sunday for the Spring Fling Bridal Show. The event, hosted by the Kern County Bridal Association, will feature food, fashion fun and the latest in new wedding products for the bride and groom and the whole wedding party. Doors open at noon. 

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