KBAK anchor obtains restraining order against woman accused in station shootings

A Bakersfield, California, television news anchor who believes he was the intended target of two shootings at his station has obtained a restraining order against the woman accused of carrying out the attacks, according to KERO.

Bakersfield TV stations targeted in two shootings days apart

Aaron Perlman, a morning weather anchor at KBAK, was granted a temporary restraining order against Thomashana Renee Zeigler, 46, who has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the shootings at the studios shared by KBAK and KBFX.

According to court documents, Perlman believes the gunfire was directed at him, although he said he has never met Zeigler. Authorities have not publicly established a motive or confirmed that Perlman was the intended target.

The restraining order requires Zeigler to stay at least 100 yards from Perlman, his wife, their residence and their workplaces.

The shootings occurred Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, and Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at the Sinclair-owned stations’ studios on Westwind Drive.

During the first incident, gunfire struck a conference room and an office. Investigators responding to the second shooting discovered additional bullet damage and recovered 11 spent .40-caliber shell casings.

Three employees were inside the building during the second shooting, but no injuries were reported.

Police arrested Zeigler on Oct. 15, 2026, during a traffic stop near the station. Investigators said they recovered a loaded .40-caliber handgun and an additional loaded magazine from her vehicle.

Advertisement

Authorities also reported recovering additional firearms and evidence of threats during subsequent searches. Police said the investigation helped prevent a potential third shooting.

Zeigler appeared in Kern County Superior Court on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, when a public defender entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.

She faces felony charges that include shooting at an inhabited building, shooting at an unoccupied building and two counts of vandalism, along with misdemeanor firearms charges.

A judge ordered Zeigler held without bail. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 30, 2026.