Expect increased security during this year’s Christmas parade

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) – Given last year’s Christmas parade crash, planning and security for this year’s event has been underway for months and parade-goers can expect some new measures.

• Since this incident, police have been looking for ways to improve security at major events.
• Bakersfield police said one of the biggest safety gains was the recent purchase of 24 new Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers.
• Misti Cole, owner of Poppi’s Pastrami, said even after being hit by the truck last year, they still plan to attend and participate in the parade this year.

Given last year’s crash of the Christmas parade, planning and security for this year’s event has been underway for months, and parade-goers can expect some new measures.

When a drunk driver crashed into a crowd at the 2023 Bakersfield Christmas Parade, Misti Cole, owner of Poppi’s Pastrami, witnessed firsthand as the vehicle slid into her food truck.

“As it happens, I wasn’t really thinking about anything; I just went into survival mode,” she said.

Several people were injured in the accident, including three men who were taken to hospital. Cole said her daughter was thrown from the food truck that struck her and her injuries, while minor, left lasting marks.

“My daughter is really scared now. Every time we park on the side of the road and she hears something, she thinks we might get hit again,” Cole said.

Since this incident, police have been looking for ways to improve security at major events. Bakersfield police said one of the biggest safety gains was the recent purchase of 24 new Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers.

“If a vehicle were to attempt to breach our barrier, it would hit this area,” said Sergeant Eric Celedon. “If it hits the front of the barrier it will cause it to tip over, and with those big teeth inside.” When they’re down, they dig into the roadway, causing the vehicle to tip over and be unable to move forward .”

Sergeant. Celedon said these new barriers will not only protect crowds by blocking hazards to the parade route, but also allow BPD to better place officers where they are needed and protected.

“By using these barriers, we don’t have to man them with an officer or a vehicle. “The ability to get the officer out of this scenario is invaluable, not only for the safety of our community, but for the safety of our officers,” he said.

Celedon said they have already started using the barriers and testing them at events in preparation for this year’s Christmas parade, which has been evident in recent weeks. Anyone who attended the Veterans Day parade downtown in November may have noticed some of the barriers and other measures.

Cole said although last year’s events were tragic, she still plans to attend and work in the parade again this year. She hopes that the additional measures will also make others feel safe.

“There aren’t as many things in Bakersfield as there are in other towns and larger cities. This is something children and families can do together.”

Meanwhile, Alan Lewis Booth, the driver charged with drink-driving in last year’s crash, is due to go on trial in February.

The Bakersfield Christmas Parade is scheduled to begin Thursday at 6 p.m

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