BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A family is devastated after learning their son was the victim in a fatal crash involving two Bakersfield police officers in a patrol vehicle earlier this week.

“It breaks my heart,” said Humberto Solano, the father of the victim — identified as Brandon Gabriel Flores.

Solano thought his son was missing until his friend heard the news of a fatal crash on South Union Avenue early Monday morning. The friend suggested it could be Solano’s son. Once a note was left at his door from the coroner’s office, he knew then his friend was right.

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Solano was shocked to learn his 27-year-old son Brandon Gabriel Flores died in a collision with Bakersfield police.

“I’m still in shock I can’t believe it,” Solano said. “I can’t believe this happened to me.”

According to the Bakersfield Police Department, at around 3:30 a.m., Officers Julian Garcia and Zachary Ward were on their way to report of an auto theft in progress downtown, when they crashed into Flores in the roadway. Officer Garcia was the driver and BPD confirmed the officers did not have on their emergency lights and sirens.

Solano said had the officers turned their lights and sirens on, his son could be alive.

“How are the cops hitting somebody? You’re supposed to hear the lights and the ambulance, and I didn’t see anything. My son — maybe if he had heard that noise or anything he could have got away from that, but those people did nothing, and now I don’t have my son,” he said.

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He said his son lived in the area and was most likely just out getting food, now his life is cut short.

“He barely started his life, somebody took it away from him … the people weren’t thinking,” Solano said.

Flores was a father of a 4-year-old daughter. Solano said he last spoke to his son on Father’s Day hours before his death Monday morning and says his family has been suffering since.

“He said ‘Happy Father’s Day to you too, Dad. I love you.’ That’s the last time, now he’s like this,” said Solano.

“It’s like taking away your heart. It’s not fair to take life away like that. I can see him dying for something else but not like that.”

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Both officers are on paid administrative leave and the crash is under investigation. Solano says they won’t give him details of the accident.

“I want answers, the police are supposed to take care of people, not kill people,” said Solano.

The family has started a GoFundMe to help the family during this time. You can find that page and make a donation at this link.

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