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Kern County Sheriff's deputy wanted on drug, weapon charges on the run
The Kern County Sheriff's Office was searching Wednesday for a deputy who was arrested on drug and firearm charges in Bakersfield but quickly escaped custody.
Deputy Edward Tucker had already been arrested over the weekend and posted bail. He was arrested again Tuesday for being under the influence of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm and possession of methamphetamine and an illegal weapon, according to a sheriff's department statement.
Tucker was awaiting transport in the back seat of a patrol car when he somehow managed to escape and flee on foot, sheriff's officials said.
Tucker's Saturday arrest came after he spoke with a group of girls in front of a home in southwest Bakersfield and at one point flashed a firearm at them, officials told the Los Angeles Times.
Tucker has been on approved leave since last October, according to the department.
Authorities were asking for the public's assistance in locating him. Anyone with information was asked to call 661-861-3110.