OAN Staff Jenna Lee
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
UPDATE – 5:50 pm PT: As of 5 p.m., Bakersfield Police announced the release of one detainee by the suspect. All of the other detainees are in good health, according to authorities.
4:32 pm– Police in Bakersfield, California, have reported an “active” bomb threat and hostage situation at a Chase Bank location in the downtown area.
The suspected bank robber claimed to have bombs strapped to his body and is holding at least one hostage, authorities noted.
“An unidentified male subject is currently barricaded with an unknown number of members of our community. Every single resource is at this site’s disposal,” said Sergeant Eric Celedon of the Bakersfield Police Department.
Law enforcement has since cordoned off a large section of downtown Bakersfield and evacuated surrounding buildings near the Chase Bank branch.
As a precaution, city properties — including City Hall and the Bakersfield Police Department headquarters — have been placed on lockdown and are temporarily closed to the public.
Police negotiators are on the scene and actively communicating with the suspect in an effort to resolve the standoff safely.
“What I can guarantee to the community right now is that every single resource is at this this site’s disposal – SWAT team, bomb squad, K9 team, gang unit, drone team. Every single asset we have to bring this to the safest conclusion is out here right now, not just ’cause that’s what the community needs, but that’s what you guys deserve,” Celedon continued.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
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