Joshua Scott Pierson Obituary, Death – Authorities in Kern County have released the identity of a man who passed away following a hit-and-run incident in Oildale earlier this month. The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 36-year-old Joshua Scott Pierson, a resident of Bakersfield.
According to a report from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), officers responded to a crash at the intersection of Roberts Lane and Plymouth Avenue around 1:05 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The call came in after reports of a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.
Preliminary details from the investigation revealed that a black Honda Accord was traveling east on Roberts Lane, west of Plymouth Avenue, at an unknown speed. Around the same time, Pierson was walking across the eastbound lanes of the road, reportedly outside of a designated crosswalk area.
CHP investigators stated that, for reasons still being examined, Pierson entered the path of the oncoming Honda. The vehicle struck him within the eastbound lanes of Roberts Lane. The driver did not remain at the scene and continued traveling in an unknown direction.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the call was made, but Pierson was pronounced deceased at the scene. His passing prompted an extensive investigation by CHP officers and forensic teams, who began gathering evidence to locate the vehicle and identify the driver responsible.
Through witness statements and additional leads, investigators were eventually able to trace the whereabouts of the suspect vehicle. The black Honda Accord believed to have been involved in the incident was found and taken into custody as evidence. However, the driver has not yet been located, and the search remains ongoing.
At this time, CHP officials said it is unclear whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident. Toxicology reports and further investigative work are still pending to help determine the exact circumstances leading up to the crash.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or who has information about the driver or the vehicle’s movements, to come forward. Witnesses can contact the CHP Bakersfield Area Office at (661) 396-6600 to share any relevant details that could assist investigators.
This incident has once again highlighted ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety and hit-and-run crashes in the region. CHP officers have continued to remind both drivers and pedestrians of the importance of being alert and following traffic laws, especially during nighttime hours when visibility is limited.
Officials emphasized that pedestrian accidents are often preventable through greater awareness, the use of crosswalks, and responsible driving practices. They also noted that leaving the scene of a crash is a serious offense that complicates investigations and delays closure for families affected by such tragedies.
Community members have expressed condolences for Pierson’s loved ones as the investigation continues. Residents in the Oildale area have also shared concerns about road safety along Roberts Lane, a roadway known for its heavy traffic and limited lighting in certain sections.
CHP officers continue to collect evidence, review surveillance footage from nearby establishments, and interview potential witnesses to piece together a full account of what happened that morning. Their efforts aim not only to find the person responsible but also to ensure that similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
Anyone with new information is encouraged to assist law enforcement as they work to bring clarity to this case and provide answers to Pierson’s family and the community. The investigation remains active.
