An active hostage situation was ongoing Tuesday evening in Bakersfield after a suspected bank robber claimed he had a bomb strapped to his body.
The call to 17th Street and Chester Avenue came in just after 1 p.m.
A photo showing one of the alleged hostages from inside the bank. KNN
A photo showing one of the alleged hostages from inside the bank. KNNOfficers evacuated surrounding buildings near the Chase bank branch in the city’s downtown area and shut down streets after the attempted heist.
Police described the suspect as a man who was making threats and appeared to have a bomb strapped to his torso.
The incident unfolded at a Chase Bank in downtown Bakersfield. X/@DadsGoneLiveSome of those inside the bank were able to escape the unhinged man.
“An unidentified male subject is currently barricaded with an unknown number of members of our community,” Sergeant Eric Celedon of the Bakersfield Police Department told ABC 23. “Every single resource is at this site’s disposal.”
Negotiators were communicating with the suspect by phone.
Officers evacuated buildings near the bank branch. KBAK Bakerfield NowOfficials closed the area bounded by 18th Street and Truxtun Avenue, and between Chester Avenue and H Street.
As a precaution, City Hall North, City Hall South, the Development Services Building and Bakersfield Police Headquarters were placed on lockdown until further notice.
These city properties were currently closed to the public.
Officials closed the area bounded by 18th Street and Truxtun Avenue, and between Chester Avenue and H Street. KBAK Bakerfield NowAs of 9 p.m. Tuesday, two people had been released by the suspect, according to Bakersfield Police.
No arrests have been made.
The remaining people being detained by the suspect are in good health, according to authorities.
City Hall North, City Hall South, the Development Services Building and Bakersfield Police Headquarters were placed on lockdown. X/@DadsGoneLiveBakersfield Mayor Karen Goh said she is closely monitoring the situation.
“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,” she said in a statement.
X/@DadsGoneLivePolice advised avoiding the area.
The California Post contacted the Bakersfield Police Department for comment.
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