Identification of motorcyclist by coroner after deadly hit-and-run in Taft
The Kern County Coroner's Office has identified Joe Paul M. Gongora Jr., aged 47, from Taft as the motorcyclist who tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run incident in Taft on Sunday. Gongora was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle on Kern Street when he was hit by a white Chevrolet Silverado making a left turn. The collision resulted in his death at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck, identified as Alejandro Padilla Jr., allegedly fled the accident site. Subsequently, a warrant was issued for Padilla's arrest. He turned himself in to authorities at the superior court on Tuesday with legal representation. Padilla was arrested on charges of hit-and-run causing death and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, according to the Taft Police Department.
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