BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Kern County judge granted mental health diversion for a woman who allegedly tried to attack Bakersfield police officers with a knife before getting shot, according to court records.
Judge Andrew Kendall granted the diversion Wednesday despite the prosecutor’s objection.
If Holmes follows all the terms and completes the 12-month in-patient program while staying out of trouble, her case can be dismissed, according to Kern County District Attorney’s office spokesperson Daniela Gonzaga.
A status hearing on the diversion to check on Holmes’ progress is scheduled for July 16.
Deashanay Holmes, 26, was charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon on an officer, three counts of resisting an officer, one count of assault with a deadly weapon likely to cause great bodily injury and a misdemeanor count of battery.
At around 7:40 p.m. July 3, officers with the Bakersfield Police Department responded to a report of an assault in the Walmart on Gosford Road.
According to officials, Holmes allegedly entered the store and assaulted a shopper unprovoked.
Body-camera footage captured Holmes charging at officers with a hunting-style knife, continuing despite getting tased, then getting shot three times in the torso and falling.
Officer Christopher Cornejo, who shot Holmes in what BPD said was his first officer-involved shooting, was placed on paid administrative leave. He has been with BPD since December 2024.
Cornejo was on administrative leave until he was cleared and returned to active duty Aug. 20, according to BPD spokesperson Sally Selby.
17 News has reached out to BPD asking whether or not the officer-involved shooting was found to be justified.
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