(KMJ) An 18 day manhunt in the wilderness of eastern Kern County came to a violent end Saturday afternoon when the suspect was shot and killed by deputies in the small community of Inyokern.
KCSO says they received a report at around 5:00 Saturday evening of a sighting of a man that looked “very similar” to 34 year old Benjamin Ashley who had been wanted for murder, kidnapping and the attempted murder of two deputies. Sheriff Donny Youngblood told KMJ that it was apparent Ashley had been living off the land and breaking into cabins to avoid capture.
Youngblood also told KMJ that due to the Summer heat, infrared technology had not been much help in tracking down Ashley.
After receiving a call Saturday afternoon reporting the suspect had been spotted, deputies approached the man in their squad car. Officials say the two deputies then got out of their car to investigate. Sheriff Donny Youngblood said the man then pointed a gun at the two deputies. Both deputies fired and the man was shot dead.
Officials say the shooting took place behind a convenience store and the two deputies involved were unharmed.
Ashley had a long history of arrests, including in Merced and in Yosemite National Park.
