New info: Alleged rapist, arsonist also tried drowning victim

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - Police have released additional details of what they believe happened before a southwest Bakersfield home erupted in flames Friday morning at the hands of an alleged rapist.

Adrian Hernandez, 22, was already accused of raping a woman and then starting the fire inside a two-story home near Harris and Old River roads. Police said Hernandez and the woman had a previous connection.

Detectives got a warrant for Hernandez's arrest on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and sexual assault.

Monday, police said they also believe Hernandez tried to drown the woman in an upstairs bath tub after raping her. That wasn't successful, and he then bound the woman and doused her with a flammable liquid, according to police.

He then allegedly dragged her downstairs, but the woman was able to escape, police said Monday.

Hernandez was shot and killed Friday night after leading officers on a chase in north Bakersfield. Police said Hernandez's vehicle left the roadway to end the chase, and Hernandez emerged with a gun in his hand.

Monday, police said in a news release, "Detectives recovered a medium to large framed BB pistol similar in appearance to a medium or large framed semi-automatic handgun from Hernandez at the scene of the officer involved shooting on Union (Avenue)."