Man Barricaded in Bakersfield Bank with Hostages Amid Bomb Threat

A man has barricaded himself inside a JPMorgan Chase bank in Bakersfield, California, with an unknown number of people inside, police have said.

Officers responded to the downtown branch after a bomb threat was reported at around 1pm on Tuesday.

The incident took place at the Chase Bank building near Chester Avenue and 17th Street, according to the local ABC affiliate. Police said the situation involved an active bomb threat and a hostage report, the outlet reported.

Around a dozen police vehicles, a tactical vehicle, and emergency responders were seen at the scene. Several nearby city buildings were placed on lockdown, including City Hall North, City Hall South, the Development Services Building, and Bakersfield Police Headquarters.

Several hours into the standoff, negotiators managed to secure the safe release of one hostage, while the remaining hostages were “in good health,” police said. Police have not publicly identified the suspect or said how many people remain inside.

“What I can guarantee to the community right now is that every single resource is at this this site’s disposal – SWAT team, bomb squad, K9 team, gang unit, drone team. Every single asset we have to bring this to the safest conclusion is out here right now, not just ‘cause that’s what the community needs, but that’s what you guys deserve,” said Sergeant Eric Celedon of the Bakersfield Police Department.

JPMorgan Chase spokesperson Peter Kelley said the bank was working with law enforcement, adding: “Our focus is on the safety of everyone involved.”