The Kern County Sheriff says he believes his department has identified the man that’s the focus of a manhunt near Weldon.
Benjamin Peter Ashley, 34, was identified as the “person of interest.”
The sheriff’s office believes three crimes were committed by the same man. Three young men were confronted by a squatter who held them at gunpoint at a Twin Oaks-area cabin July 28, a retired dentist was found shot to death July 30 at a Weldon-area cabin, and two deputies were ambushed and shot during the manhunt Aug. 1.
Sheriff Donny Youngblood said Ashley is black with light skin and hazel eyes. The sheriff said Ashley is 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds.
Ashley has a long criminal history and is believed to be homeless, according to Youngblood. He was previously arrested in Glendale, Santa Monica, Merced, Yosemite National Park and Bear Valley Springs.
This manhunt begins its third week Wednesday. The sheriff’s office is warning residents in the Weldon and upper Weldon areas of an increase in law enforcement activity as the search continues.
