Bakersfield police responded to a bomb threat at a downtown building housing a Chase bank branch and a school district office around 1 p.m. Tuesday, initiating a hostage standoff that led to the release of two individuals and an ongoing negotiation with FBI assistance. A man had barricaded himself inside the building with several community members, prompting officers to establish a perimeter and evacuate nearby structures, including city hall and police headquarters.
Through telephone negotiations conducted by the Bakersfield Police Department’s crisis team, two hostages were released. The remaining hostages are in “good health,” according to city police Sgt. Eric Celedon. No injuries have been reported. “We have every single resource at our disposal out here to bring this to the safest resolution possible,” Celedon said.
Federal authorities became involved as the situation progressed. FBI agents arrived on scene Tuesday afternoon, and by late Tuesday, the FBI assumed SWAT operations in the standoff, according to a Bakersfield Police Department spokesperson. The FBI’s local field office confirmed the situation remains active but said it had no additional information to provide at this time.
About a dozen police cars, one tactical vehicle, and multiple emergency responders were deployed to the area. Some roads were temporarily closed, and law enforcement set up trauma tents with color-coded triage tags—a standard protective measure during high-risk incidents—as well as a command center about a block away. Jacob Davidson, who livestreamed parts of the response, said, “I went into the bank’s parking garage and watched the cops enter the back of the bank. This is the biggest police presence I’ve ever seen in this town.” He added, “Now I’m watching them set up the trauma tents with the green, red and yellow tags, and black tags too, along with a command center about a block away.”
Officials urged the public to stay clear of the area. “This is still a very active situation,” Celedon warned. Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh said she is closely monitoring developments and emphasized public cooperation. “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,” Goh said. JPMorgan Chase confirmed its branch on the building’s ground floor was empty and stated the company is working with authorities.