Suspect in Calif. Bank Standoff Involving Suspected Bomb Fatally Shot by FBI Personnel
What to know
- A man believed to have a bomb was holding people hostage inside a Chase Bank in downtown Bakersfield, triggering a large police response and ongoing negotiations.
- Crisis negotiators secured the release of two hostages, while others inside the bank remained unharmed.
- The standoff ended when the suspect was fatally shot by FBI personnel, according to police; the incident remains under investigation.
Editor's note: The hostage situation inside a Chase Bank in Bakersfield ended early Tuesday when the suspect was fatally shot by FBI personnel, according to police.
"All hostages were located unharmed and received medical evaluation and treatment at the scene," Bakersfield police said in a statement.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene following the shooting at around 4:20 a.m. An investigation is ongoing.
ORIGINAL STORY
By Clara Harter
Source Los Angeles Times
Police are negotiating with a man believed to be in possession of a bomb who is holding people hostage inside a Chase Bank in downtown Bakersfield, authorities said.
Officers with the Bakersfield Police Department responded to a confirmed bomb threat at the Chase Bank at Chester Avenue and 17th Street on Tuesday afternoon, the department said in a statement on social media.
Crisis negotiators were able to negotiate the safe surrender of one hostage, Bakersfield Police Sgt. Eric Celedon said shortly before 5:30 p.m. Several hours later, the release of a second hostage was successfully negotiated.
The other people inside the building remain "in good health" as police and federal agents work together to resolve the situation, he said around 9 p.m.
"We have every single resource at our disposal out here to bring it to the safest resolution possible," Celedon said, "from the SWAT team, bomb squad, crisis negotiators, our drone team, K9 unit as well as our federal partners."
Police were first dispatched around 1 p.m. when officers were notified that a man had barricaded himself inside the Chase Bank with several community members, according to a department news release.
Road closures are in effect around the bank, and residents are asked to stay away from the area near Truxtun and Chester avenues. Nearby buildings have been evacuated, and a triage area with ambulances is set up in case of any injuries.
Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh said in a statement she was closely monitoring the situation and appreciated the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies.
"The best way the public can help at this time is by avoiding the area and allowing law enforcement officers, negotiators, and other trained professionals the space and opportunity to safely carry out their duties," she said. "We ask the community to keep those affected in their prayers."
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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