California City, California — A California City police officer and a 17-year-old girl were both hospitalized following an officer-involved shooting on Monday afternoon, April 21, 2025.
Around 4:04 p.m., California City Police received a 911 call reporting shots fired at a passing vehicle near Lime Avenue and Corwin Street. The caller described the shooter as a light-skinned Black female walking westbound toward Hickory Avenue.
Responding officers split up — one speaking to the reporting party, while the other searched the area. Upon spotting a person matching the suspect’s description, the second officer attempted to stop her. Authorities say the girl immediately opened fire, striking the officer in the leg.
The officer returned fire, wounding the suspect, who then attempted to flee. Backup, including the California City Director of Public Safety, arrived moments later. While one officer applied a tourniquet to the wounded officer, the Director of Public Safety confronted and apprehended the suspect, who dropped her firearm without further incident.
Paramedics treated both the officer and the suspect at the scene. The teen was transported by ambulance to Antelope Valley Hospital, while the officer — due to ambulance delays — was rushed in a public safety vehicle, stabilized en route by a firefighter-paramedic, to meet the next available ambulance.
Both are reported to be in stable condition.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is now handling the investigation.
In a statement, California City officials praised the bravery of their first responders, highlighting the physical, psychological, and emotional challenges they face daily.
