Driver of stolen vehicle in fatal South Vineland Road crash ordered to stand trial

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The driver of a stolen car that was being chased when a police vehicle slammed into an uninvolved car — killing a man and seriously injuring a woman — has been ordered to stand trial on each of the eight charges filed against him, court records show.

A judge on Wednesday found there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the case against Michael Monte Stephens Jr., 23. He's charged with seven felony counts — among them vehicular manslaughter and recklessly evading a peace officer — as well as a misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended license.

Stephens is due back in court Nov. 18, when a trial date will be set. He remains held on $500,000 bail.

Last month, former Bakersfield police officer Ricardo Robles, charged in the same incident, pleaded no contest to a charge of vehicular manslaughter. He faces felony probation and 500 hours of community service at his Nov. 15 sentencing hearing.

Early Jan. 19, 2023, Robles drove a police vehicle at high speed as he attempted to catch up to the chase involving Stephens. He ran a stop sign and smashed into a Honda Accord at the intersection of South Vineland and Muller roads. The Honda did not have a stop sign.

Mario Lares , 31, the Honda's driver, was killed in the 2:20 a.m. collision. Passenger Ana Hernandez, 34 at the time, suffered serious injuries.

The patrol vehicle traveled more than 100 mph without its overhead flashing lights on before entering the intersection, according to the California Highway Patrol, which investigated the crash. Robles resigned in January.

A lawsuit filed against the city on behalf of the victims is scheduled for trial next year.