Kern County Investigation Leads to 13 Arrests in Series of Armed Robberies

A months-long investigation into two armed robberies at a Rosedale Highway store has resulted in 13 arrests on charges including robbery, conspiracy, and gang-related offenses, according to authorities.

The case began on Feb. 3, 2026, when an employee at Smoke Era was robbed at gunpoint by four masked suspects who stole more than $3,000 worth of merchandise, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.

Six days later, the store was targeted again by five additional suspects, investigators said.

Detectives with the sheriff’s Crimes Against Persons Division, working with the Bakersfield Police Department Gang Suppression Unit, conducted a months-long investigation into both incidents.

Authorities said the investigation resulted in 13 arrests, identifying Jerimiah Ramos, Larry Rodriguez Covarrubias, Miguel Perez, Jesus Cervantes, Leonor Medina, and Damien Monroe, while four additional suspects were juveniles and were not pictured in the case.