Former Burbank police cadet killed in crash during pursuit in Bakersfield
A police procession escorts the van carrying the body of Bakersfield police officer David Nelson to the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale on Friday, June 26, 2015. The 26-year-old Nelson, who grew up in Burbank, died from an accident that occurred during a vehicle pursuit early Friday morning.
A former Burbank police cadet was killed during a police pursuit early Friday morning in Bakersfield, officials said.
David Nelson, 26, joined the Bakersfield police force two years ago as a police officer after serving as a cadet in Burbank.
Just before 3 a.m. Friday morning, Nelson was involved in a police pursuit with a silver Hyundai, during which he crashed into a block wall, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.
When officers arrived at the scene of the crash, they reportedly pulled Nelson out of the car before a fire in the patrol car’s engine compartment spread to the passenger area.
He was transported to Kern Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 3 a.m.
Bakersfield police are investigating the pursuit, while the California Highway Patrol is investigating the collision.
Nelson, who worked as a cadet in Burbank from 2008 to 2012, was remembered by a former colleague as a “hard working” and “very knowledgeable” person who was involved in community events organized by the police department.
That includes the agency’s drug take-back events and “Shop with a Cop” program, during which officers and cadets take underprivileged children on a shopping spree during the holidays.
“He was very much plugged into those events,” said Burbank Police Officer Joshua Kendrick, adding that Nelson grew up in the area and attended Burbank High School. “We’re just very deeply saddened by his loss.”
Police escorted a van carrying Nelson’s body to Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. Police from both Burbank and Glendale saluted the van as it drove past.
No arrests have been made. Anyone with information about the suspect vehicle, described as a silver Hyundai, is asked to call authorities at (661) 852-7800.
In a Facebook post on the Bakersfield Police Department page, dispatcher Alison Webb asked the public to keep in mind Nelson’s family, as well as the officers and dispatchers on duty who are grieving.
“They will cry between calls, sigh heavily while driving to the next emergency, but they will keep going,” Webb wrote. “Another dispatcher said it best. The phones don’t stop ringing and people still need help. We will be there, but a part of all of us is gone.”
Those wishing to express their condolences for Nelson’s family can call (661) 852-7021.