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A tense standoff unfolded at a Chase Bank in downtown Bakersfield, California, on Tuesday evening as police negotiators attempted to resolve a situation involving a man accused of issuing bomb threats. The incident left several people inside the bank as authorities worked to secure their safe release.
The Bakersfield Police Department was alerted to the bomb threat shortly after 1 p.m., prompting a swift response to the bank located near the intersection of Chester Avenue and 17th Street.
During a media briefing, Sgt. Eric Celedon from the Bakersfield Police explained that the suspect had entered the bank and remained inside with an unspecified number of individuals. The situation continued to evolve as police efforts intensified.
“We want to assure the community that every available resource is being utilized,” Sgt. Celedon stated. He noted the deployment of SWAT units, bomb disposal experts, K-9 teams, negotiators, and drone operators, all working collaboratively at the scene to manage the crisis.
The Chase Bank branch, situated near Chester Avenue and 17th Street, became the center of a major police operation following the bomb threat. Authorities successfully negotiated the release of one person, although the standoff persisted as they worked towards a resolution. (Image: Google Maps)
In a post on X, the department described the incident as a “confirmed bomb threat” and urged residents to avoid the downtown area, warning that road closures would remain in effect until further notice.
According to local station KBAK, authorities believe the suspect may have had a bomb strapped to his body and had barricaded himself inside the building with several people.
Police established a perimeter around a Chase Bank building in downtown Bakersfield, California, after reports of a bomb threat and ongoing standoff involving a barricaded suspect. (KBAK)
The station reported that one person was safely released before 5 p.m. following negotiations involving Bakersfield police and the FBI’s negotiation team.
“At this time, everybody else still remains inside the building, and everybody else still remains in good health,” Celedon said.
Law enforcement officers responded to a reported bomb threat at a Chase Bank in downtown Bakersfield, California, where negotiators worked to resolve an ongoing standoff involving a suspect inside the building. (KBAK)
Jason Pack, a retired FBI supervisory special agent, told News Media that the fact negotiators remain in communication with the suspect is a significant development.
“As long as communication is open, you have options,” Pack said.
Pack noted that suspects who introduce real or alleged explosive devices often do so to gain leverage rather than immediately carry out an attack, adding that negotiators are typically focused on understanding a suspect’s demands and creating opportunities to secure the release of additional people.
“The FBI has confirmed it is aware of the situation and sending assistance,” he said. “Any bomb threat at a financial institution triggers federal jurisdiction automatically, which means Bakersfield PD and the FBI are coordinating closely.”Â
KBAK reported that several city buildings, including City Hall North, City Hall South, the Development Services Building and Bakersfield Police Headquarters, were placed on lockdown as a precaution due to the nearby incident.
In a statement obtained by the outlet, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh said city officials were closely monitoring the situation and thanked law enforcement personnel for their response.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation unfolding in our city and remain concerned for the safety and well-being of everyone involved,” Goh said.
News Media has reached out to the office of Mayor Karen Goh for additional comment.
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