Deputy arrested after 3 days on the run, accused of pointing gun at girl, 12

BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Authorities have arrested a Kern County sheriff's deputy who allegedly flashed a gun at a 12-year-old girl and escaped from a patrol car while handcuffed.

Sheriff's spokesman Ray Pruitt says Edward Tucker was arrested Thursday afternoon in Oildale, an unincorporated community near Bakersfield. He'd been considered dangerous.

Tucker, an 18-year veteran, had been on leave for a year when he allegedly confronted a group of girls and flashed the gun Saturday night in Bakersfield.

Arriving deputies allegedly found guns and methamphetamine in his car.

The 44-year-old was arrested but released from jail.

Authorities say on Tuesday, he was rearrested in a park for allegedly being under the influence but managed to escape from a patrol car at a jail parking garage.