An armed man with an explosive device strapped to his body stormed a bank branch in Bakersfield, California, taking multiple hostages and barricading himself inside, according to local police and emergency services.

The incident began around 1:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, June 2, when authorities received a report of a bomb threat at a bank located at the intersection of 17th Street and Chester Avenue in downtown Bakersfield.

Responding officers found the suspect had barricaded himself inside the financial institution with several customers and employees. A crisis response team was mobilized, including SWAT, bomb technicians, K-9 units, drone operators, and negotiators from the Bakersfield Police Department and the FBI.

After hours of negotiations, two hostages were released: the first around 5:00 p.m. and the second after 9:00 p.m. Police Sergeant Eric Celedon stated that the exact number of people still inside is unknown, but all are in satisfactory condition and authorities maintain phone contact with the suspect.

Due to the active operation and ongoing bomb threat, authorities implemented emergency security measures, completely cordoning off the perimeter. Nearby commercial buildings were evacuated, and key administrative facilities, including the north and south wings of City Hall, the Development Department, and police headquarters, were locked down.

JPMorgan Chase spokesman Peter Kelly confirmed the company's cooperation with investigators, emphasizing that safety is the top priority. Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh urged residents to avoid the downtown area to allow emergency services to operate. The suspect remains at large, and no motive or specific demands have been disclosed.

Source: podrobno.uz