David Nelson - Law Enforcement - California

David Nelson

Police Officer David Nelson, age 26, died in the line of duty on June 26, 2015, at a hospital in Bakersfield, California.

Officer Nelson was a member of the Bakersfield Police Department. He had 2 years of service.

After 2:30 a.m., David attempted to conduct a traffic stop of an unlicensed vehicle. The driver of the car fled and David chased the vehicle for several blocks. His vehicle veered off the roadway into a retaining wall and a utility pole. The patrol car burst into flames.

Other officers were able to extract him from the vehicle. He was rushed to a local hospital where tragically he died of his injuries a short time later.

The driver of the fleeing vehicle (a silver Hyundai) has not been apprehended as of this date and remains at large. If you have any information to offer regarding this incident you are urged to call the Bakersfield Police tip line at 661-852-7800.

David had graduated from Burbank High School where he was into water polo. He

Michael, Archangel, Patron
Saint of the Police, pray for
David and for those who
have lost him.

had worked as a lifeguard for the Burbank Parks and Recreation Department.  He attended Occidental College in Los Angeles. He had served as a cadet for the Burbank Police Department from 2008 to 2012. 

Both the Bakersfield Police Department and the Burbank Police Department are in mourning over the death of their young brother. David is described as hard working and very knowledgeable.  He had a bright future in law enforcement. He will be forever remembered.

David's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He died doing what he loved. He cared about others. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

David is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his parents; his two brothers, and his girlfriend, Rachel.

Thank you for your service to the community, David. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that David is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.