Man with alleged body bomb holds hostages at Bakersfield Chase Bank branch
An adult male has allegedly strapped a bomb to his body inside a Bakersfield bank branch
Authorities are managing an unfolding hostage situation and bomb threat at a Chase Bank branch in downtown Bakersfield, California, after an incident that began on the afternoon of Tuesday.
In a news release published on Tuesday evening, Bakersfield Police confirmed that officers received a call at around 1:00pm local time regarding a bomb threat at the Chase Bank situated at the corner of Chester Avenue and 17th Street.
Investigators found that an adult male had locked himself inside the building alongside what police described as "several community members." No injuries have been reported at this time.
Police cordon in place, roads closed
A security perimeter has been established around the bank and surrounding structures in order "to ensure public safety."
Residents and workers in the vicinity have been directed to leave the area, and a number of roads have been shut. At the time of the release, Crisis Negotiation Team officers were in telephone communication with the suspect.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Sgt Eric Celedon sought to reassure the public, stating that "everybody is safe," according to KGET.
One hostage freed, bomb allegedly on suspect's body
By 5:15 p.m., local outlet KFSN reported, citing police, that one hostage had been released. The situation grew more alarming after CBS News reported that the suspect allegedly has a bomb "strapped to his body."
There are further indications the individual may have attached a trip wire to one of the hostages' legs.
FBI negotiators from Los Angeles have been deployed to assist Bakersfield Police with the ongoing discussions, per CBS News.
Civic buildings locked down, Hall of Records evacuated
The broader impact on the surrounding area has been considerable. According to KGET, several key civic buildings remain under lockdown, among them City Hall North, City Hall South, the Development Services Building, and Bakersfield Police Headquarters.
The Hall of Records building has been fully evacuated, and streets in the immediate vicinity of the bank continue to be closed as the standoff persists.
