TAFT, CA -- The sheriff's department is investigating a weekend deputy-involved shooting in Taft. Sheriff's officials say on Sunday night deputies from the Taft Substation were sent to a home in the 800 block of Filmore Street in response to an unknown situation.
Deputies had prior contacts with the subjects who live at the residence. While deputies were driving to the location, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center told deputies the resident, 31-year-old Bethany Lytle of Taft had an active no bail arrest warrant for a Sheriff’s parole violation.
When deputies arrived, they spoke to a man who told deputies Lytle was brandishing a knife, breaking picture frames and other household items inside the residence. The subject also told deputies Lytle had to be held down on the ground while 911 was called.
Deputies went into the residence to check the welfare of Lytle. Deputies found her inside the residence sitting down and speaking incoherently. Lytle suddenly stood up and armed herself with a double edged dagger with an approximate ten inch blade.
Lytle became combative and one deputy immediately deployed and activated his Taser, but it was ineffective. Another deputy had his duty weapon drawn and both deputies repeatedly ordered Lytle to drop the dagger, but she refused and charged at the deputies. Lytle closed the distance to the deputies within five feet and held the dagger above her head while making a stabbing motion.
Fearing for their safety, one deputy fired his duty weapon at Lytle to stop the attack. Lytle fell to the ground, but did not drop the dagger. Lytle continued to refuse deputies orders to drop the dagger. Lytle eventually threw the dagger away and deputies took her into custody.
Medical aid immediately responded to the residence to treat Lytle’s injuries. Lytle was uncooperative and struggled with medical aid to the point she had to be restrained. Lytle was airlifted to Kern Medical Center where she later died from her injuries.
Deputies had prior contacts with the subjects who live at the residence. While deputies were driving to the location, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center told deputies the resident, 31-year-old Bethany Lytle of Taft had an active no bail arrest warrant for a Sheriff’s parole violation.
When deputies arrived, they spoke to a man who told deputies Lytle was brandishing a knife, breaking picture frames and other household items inside the residence. The subject also told deputies Lytle had to be held down on the ground while 911 was called.
Deputies went into the residence to check the welfare of Lytle. Deputies found her inside the residence sitting down and speaking incoherently. Lytle suddenly stood up and armed herself with a double edged dagger with an approximate ten inch blade.
Lytle became combative and one deputy immediately deployed and activated his Taser, but it was ineffective. Another deputy had his duty weapon drawn and both deputies repeatedly ordered Lytle to drop the dagger, but she refused and charged at the deputies. Lytle closed the distance to the deputies within five feet and held the dagger above her head while making a stabbing motion.
Fearing for their safety, one deputy fired his duty weapon at Lytle to stop the attack. Lytle fell to the ground, but did not drop the dagger. Lytle continued to refuse deputies orders to drop the dagger. Lytle eventually threw the dagger away and deputies took her into custody.
Medical aid immediately responded to the residence to treat Lytle’s injuries. Lytle was uncooperative and struggled with medical aid to the point she had to be restrained. Lytle was airlifted to Kern Medical Center where she later died from her injuries.