Man Barricaded In Bank During Bomb Threat Standoff: Bakersfield Police

BAKERSFIELD, CA — A man remained barricaded inside a Chase Bank in Bakersfield as afternoon stretched into night on Tuesday during 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." Officers established a perimeter around the building and surrounding businesses, police said.

Several people were trapped inside the building, police said, but as of about 9 p.m., no injuries were reported and two hostages had been released.

Officers and crisis negotiators were in contact with the man by telephone around 6:30 p.m., according to police, who added no arrests had been made as of that time.

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. Road closures were in effect.

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.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.