On the night of Friday, May 23rd, Deputy James
Throne (29) and Deputy Doug Swanson (30), of Bakersfield,
were responding to a foot chase north of Lamont when they
collided around 11:35 p.m. at the intersection of Weedpatch
Highway and Blackburn Street.
Swanson’s lights and sirens were on, CHP and sheriff’s
officials said. Throne, who was driving a marked car without
the siren activated, pulled into Swanson’s path on Weedpatch
Highway, the CHP said.
Fourteen firefighters responded to the accident, using the
jaws of life and administering medical aid to both deputies,
according to the Kern County Fire Department. Both deputies
were taken to Kern Medical Center, one by ground and the
other by helicopter.
Swanson is in serious condition (upgraded from critical) at
Kern Medical Center with a broken arm, leg and pelvis plus a
cracked vertebrae.
Deputy Throne was a 2 ½ year veteran who previously worked
for Taft PD. He is survived by his wife Amanda, James’
12-year-old son Josh from a previous marriage, Amanda's
10-year-old daughter Alex from previous marriage, and the
couple’s 7-year-old son Brandon.
FUNERAL SERVICE:
The funeral for Deputy Throne is scheduled for 10 a.m.
Friday May 30th
Canyon Hills Assembly of God Church
7001 Auburn St
Bakersfield, CA 93306
(661) 871-1150
Graveside services will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park
at 9101 Kern Canyon Road.
