Bakersfield bomb threat latest: Chase bank in California city on lockdown as active hostage situation unfolds

Bakersfield bomb threat latest: Chase bank in California city on lockdown as active hostage situation unfolds - Bookmark A suspect with a bomb strapped to his body allegedly barricaded himself inside a California bank Tuesday afternoon with an unknown number of hostages. The situation in the Southern California city of Bakersfield has been unfolding since about 1 p.m. Police there said that “several community members” were inside a Chase Bank building on Chester Avenue and 17th Street and that crisis negotiators were working to bring the situation to an end. At least one person who had been held inside the bank building was freed, police told reporters. “With the cooperation of our Crisis Negotiation Team and the assistance of the FBI negotiations team, we were able to negotiate the safe surrender of one of the hostages,” Police Sgt. Eric Celedon said from the scene. Celedon added that all of the remaining hostages inside the bank were “in good health.” FBI is assisting in response to Bakersfield crisis Federal agents are joining local police in Bakersfield to respond to the ongoing hostage situation. “FBI Sacramento is aware of the crisis in progress near the corner of 17th Street and Chester Ave. in Bakersfield, California, and are sending resources to assist @BakersfieldPD,” the bureau wrote on X. “Please avoid the area.” Bakersfield mayor on bank hostage situation Mayor Karen Goh released the following statement on the hostage situation. “We continue to closely monitor the situation unfolding in our city and remain concerned for the safety and well-being of everyone involved,” she said. “I am grateful for the swift response and ongoing dedication of the brave men and women of the Bakersfield Police Department, who continue to serve and protect our community. “I appreciate the collaboration and coordinated efforts of our law enforcement partners and other responding agencies. “Thank you to the many who have reached out in concern. 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. “The Bakersfield Police Department will continue to provide updates as appropriate. We ask the community to keep those affected in their prayers.”