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Incident
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.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Nelson gave the Bakersfield Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bakersfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Nelson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Bakersfield Police Department has lost 8 officers; 7 of them lost to accidents.
David is one of 720 officers lost to accidents in CA, 39.2% of the 1,839 remembered there.
David is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2015, 1 officer at Bakersfield Police Department was lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 2.
In 2015, 2 officers in CA were lost to accidents, the 105th heaviest of 128 years on record. The heaviest was 1969, with 14.
In 2015, 53 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 88th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2015, 55 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 96th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
David was 26. Of the 7 lost to accidents at Bakersfield Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 35.5; the middle age was 29. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
David was 26. Of the 690 lost to accidents in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 42.8; the middle age was 35. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
David was 26. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 26. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 42.9% of these deaths at Bakersfield Police Department, more than any other month. Fridays: 28.6%.
June holds 8.6% of these deaths in CA; August holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 13.9%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 87.5% of all 8 deaths at Bakersfield Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 28.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 39.2% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Bakersfield Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Bakersfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
