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Man in hospital after weekend attack
At least two men were injured, with four others facing charges relating to felony assault, following a fight
this weekend in the parking lot of Mickey’s Pub.
According to reports by the Ridgecrest Police Department, officers were dispatched to an assault in
progress at approximately 10:50 p.m. on Saturday, June 5. Upon arrival they found one victim unconscious
and another suffering from a moderate facial wound. Medical aid was immediately requested.
The RPD reportedly gathered from witness reports that a male suspect with a cast attacked the victims
and left the scene with his companions in a vehicle.
this weekend in the parking lot of Mickey’s Pub.
According to reports by the Ridgecrest Police Department, officers were dispatched to an assault in
progress at approximately 10:50 p.m. on Saturday, June 5. Upon arrival they found one victim unconscious
and another suffering from a moderate facial wound. Medical aid was immediately requested.
The RPD reportedly gathered from witness reports that a male suspect with a cast attacked the victims
and left the scene with his companions in a vehicle.
Law enforcement officials track suspects in a Saturday night assault shortly before midnight at Economy
Inn. ( click for larger picture ) Photo by Laura Austin
Inn. ( click for larger picture ) Photo by Laura Austin
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By REBECCA NEIPP
News Review Staff Writer
News Review Staff Writer
Investigation on the scene apparently revealed that the victims, 29-year-old Christopher Soce and 27-year-
old Howard Amidon, were confronted by four men from Bakersfield — 28-year-old Juan Echiveste, 25-year-old
Michael Blair, 38-year-old Erick Bartlett and 24-year-old Jonathan Munoz.
Witnesses reported that the aggressors confronted the victims in the bar prior to the assault. When the
victims tried to leave, the suspects followed them into the parking lot, where the attack took place.
Echiveste, who was wearing a cast, allegedly attacked both victims, then fled the scene in a vehicle with
his companions.
Medical responders on the scene reported that Soce had suffered severe head injuries.
After securing the scene, RPD began a citywide search, assisted by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and
California Highway Patrol, for the four suspects. Officers were able to locate the suspects and their vehicle at
the Economy Inn on South China Lake Boulevard. The suspects were arrested after being identified by
witnesses.
Echiveste was booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and assault with great bodily injury.
Blair, Bartlett and Munoz are charged with accessories to a felony after the fact.
At press time, Soce remained in the care of Kern Medical Center. He was reportedly in fair condition.
Amidon was no longer in the care of either KMC or Ridgecrest Regional Hospital.
The suspects remain in Kern County Jail, where they await arraignment.
“The Ridgecrest Police Department would like to thank the witnesses for coming forward with statements
about this crime, and their prompt action in calling the police,” said RPD Chief Ronald Strand.
old Howard Amidon, were confronted by four men from Bakersfield — 28-year-old Juan Echiveste, 25-year-old
Michael Blair, 38-year-old Erick Bartlett and 24-year-old Jonathan Munoz.
Witnesses reported that the aggressors confronted the victims in the bar prior to the assault. When the
victims tried to leave, the suspects followed them into the parking lot, where the attack took place.
Echiveste, who was wearing a cast, allegedly attacked both victims, then fled the scene in a vehicle with
his companions.
Medical responders on the scene reported that Soce had suffered severe head injuries.
After securing the scene, RPD began a citywide search, assisted by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and
California Highway Patrol, for the four suspects. Officers were able to locate the suspects and their vehicle at
the Economy Inn on South China Lake Boulevard. The suspects were arrested after being identified by
witnesses.
Echiveste was booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and assault with great bodily injury.
Blair, Bartlett and Munoz are charged with accessories to a felony after the fact.
At press time, Soce remained in the care of Kern Medical Center. He was reportedly in fair condition.
Amidon was no longer in the care of either KMC or Ridgecrest Regional Hospital.
The suspects remain in Kern County Jail, where they await arraignment.
“The Ridgecrest Police Department would like to thank the witnesses for coming forward with statements
about this crime, and their prompt action in calling the police,” said RPD Chief Ronald Strand.
