Man Barricaded In Bank During Bomb Threat Standoff: Bakersfield Police

BAKERSFIELD, CA — A man was barricaded inside a Chase Bank on Tuesday afternoon in Bakersfield in what police were characterizing as a bomb threat.

Officers were dispatched around 1 p.m. to the area of 17th Street and Chester Avenue, according to Sgt. Eric Celedon, who described the location as a "very active scene."

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SWAT, bomb squad, crisis negotiation, drone, K-9 and federal personnel were all on the scene as of Tuesday afternoon, Celedon said, urging people to avoid downtown Bakersfield and noting all surrounding buildings had been evacuated.

An unkown number of people were inside the bank, according to police.

A JPMorgan Chase spokesperson, Peter Kelley, said they’re working with law enforcement and their “focus is on the safety of everyone involved.” He provided no other details.

Several city buildings were placed on lockdown, including City Hall North, City Hall South, the Development Services Building, and Bakersfield Police Headquarters.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.