Scrivner investigation: Sheriff Youngblood press conference reveals details of night law enforcement was called to Supervisor Scrivner’s home
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Troubling allegations regarding Kern County District 2 Supervisor Zack Scrivner and what happened at his Tehachapi house began circulating early Wednesday morning.
It was a lot of hearsay, until Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood confirmed some of those shocking details at a Thursday afternoon press conference.
Scrivner has not been arrested and an investigation is ongoing.
“We responded to what we thought at the time was a suicidal person having a psychotic episode, not any crime,” said Sheriff Donny Youngblood.
WATCH: Sheriff Donny Youngblood provides update on Zack Scrivner investigation
Youngblood said he received a call from District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer around 11 p.m. Tuesday, saying her nephew, Zack Scrivner, was armed and suicidal.
Youngblood further detailed that after hearing from a concerned and emotional Zimmer, he immediately dispatched deputies to Scrivner’s Tehachapi home.
He said he’s unaware if any 911 calls were made.
“[Zimmer] told me that [Scrivner] was having some type of psychotic episode at his residence in Tehachapi. She told me he was armed with a gun,” the sheriff said.
“The physical altercation occurred over allegations Zack had sexually assaulted one of his children,” Youngblood said.
Youngblood did not confirm the sexual assault, but he said KCSO is investigating with reason.
The aforementioned altercation led to Scrivner being stabbed twice in the upper torso with a knife. It is unclear what type of knife.
Scrivner has been a steady, influential presence on the political scene for 20 years
The child who engaged in the stabbing, Youngblood explained, was attempting to protect the other child from what they believed had occurred.
Scrivner was taken to Kern Medical and treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Youngblood said to his knowledge, Scrivner is no longer in the hospital.
“I don’t know where Supervisor Scrivner is,” Youngblood stated. “I think I know, but I’m not sure so I can’t answer your question.”
The sheriff said Scrivner, his four children — all minors — and Scrivner’s parents were at the home. Scrivner’s wife Christina Scrivner, and DA Cynthia Zimmer were not there.
No one other than Zack Scrivner is under investigation, Youngblood said.
And it’s unclear if there were attempts to conceal evidence, as alleged.
Youngblood said deputies were at the house from 11 p.m. Tuesday night into Wednesday. On Wednesday morning, detectives arrived with a search warrant for the stabbing and alleged sexual assault.
Investigators seized 30 firearms, electronics — including Scrivner’s phone — possible evidence of both the stabbing and sexual assault, as well as forensic evidence.
County issues statement regarding Scrivner allegations, Kern County Sheriff’s update
“We believe that we found a small quantity of psychedelic mushrooms,” Youngblood also noted. He said early on in the investigation, it’s unknown if Scrivner was under the influence.
Youngblood also stated there may be evidence there was a gun to Scrivner’s head.
There’s an emergency protective order to keep him away from his children, who are back with their mother.
While Scrivner’s whereabouts were unknown Thursday, Youngblood noted if an arrest warrant is issued, any law enforcement agency can carry out the arrest.
“If you make an arrest, a clock starts, and you can’t stop that clock,” Youngblood said. “And you have 48 hours to do certain things, and we know we can’t get any of this done in 48 hours or to meet that time clock.”
Due to various conflicts of interest — particularly Zimmer being Scrivner’s aunt — KCSO has asked the Attorney General of California and another county to prosecute the case.
It’s unclear if Scrivner will continue to serve on Board of Supervisors throughout the investigation.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
