Man found guilty of DUI, evading Bakersfield police

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Early on March 8, Phillip Barnes passed out in a car parked at a Circle K store in Bakersfield. When police arrived, he woke up — and drove away.

Barnes, 45, refused to pull over, leading police on a chase that ended when he hit a tree at Mercy Hospital Downtown.

Found guilty of evading police and multiple DUI-related counts — blood tests revealed a blood-alcohol content of 0.11%, plus positive results for marijuana and PCP — Barnes faces up to six years in prison at his sentencing next month.

“It takes a united community to ensure the safety of our county — starting with vigilant citizens, dedicated law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office ensuring that justice is served,” District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said in a release. “Careless drivers claim lives every day, but with this conviction, Mr. Barnes will no longer have the opportunity to endanger others on our roads.”

Barnes has prior convictions for driving under the influence, robbery, attempted robbery and dissuading a witness.

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