Bakersfield, CA – A woman who was killed in a collision involving a pursuit suspect driving a stolen vehicle in Bakersfield Wednesday morning has been identified.
The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased woman as Amy Denise Menefee, a 39-year-old resident of Arvin.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 8:07 a.m. on June 3, 2026, on East Panama Lane at Tejon Highway.
Authorities said officers were assisting the Kern County Auto Theft Task Force with a traffic stop involving 18-year-old Ramiro Gutierrez-Ramos, who allegedly had a felony warrant and was believed to be driving a stolen vehicle. Investigators said Gutierrez-Ramos failed to yield during the attempted stop and sped eastbound on Panama Lane, leading officers on a pursuit. Police said the suspect then failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection and collided with a second vehicle.
The driver of the second vehicle, later identified as Amy Menefee, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital, where she later died. Authorities said Gutierrez-Ramos and a passenger fled the scene on foot following the collision but were apprehended a short time later. Information regarding additional injuries or charges was not immediately released.
Police officers and emergency crews responded to the scene shortly after the collision was reported and remained in the area while investigators processed evidence related to the fatal crash and pursuit.
The collision caused disruptions in the area surrounding East Panama Lane and Tejon Highway as authorities conducted the investigation and cleared the wreckage.
The incident remains under investigation.