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Bakersfield Settles $22M Lawsuit Over Fatal Police Crash

3/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The City of Bakersfield settled a $22 million civil lawsuit over a 2023 police crash that killed Mario Lares and injured Ana Hernandez.
The suit says former officer Ricardo Robles drove through a stop sign at nearly 80 mph without lights or sirens after pursuit was called off.
Robles pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter in 2024.
The February 23, 2026 settlement avoids a jury trial.

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Story summary

The City of Bakersfield settled a $22 million civil lawsuit over a 2023 police crash that killed Mario Lares and injured Ana Hernandez.
The suit says former officer Ricardo Robles drove through a stop sign at nearly 80 mph without lights or sirens after pursuit was called off.
Robles pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter in 2024.
The February 23, 2026 settlement avoids a jury trial.