California: A major security operation was launched in California after reports of a bomb threat at a Chase Bank building, where an armed man allegedly barricaded himself inside along with several community members, prompting a large-scale response from local and federal authorities.
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, officers received a call at around 1:00 p.m. local time regarding a bomb threat at the Chase Bank Building located at Chester Avenue and 17th Street in Bakersfield.
During the investigation, authorities determined that an adult male had barricaded himself inside the building with several people still present. Police immediately established a security perimeter around the building and nearby businesses while initiating evacuation procedures.
Several occupants were able to leave the premises safely, and no injuries had been reported at the time of the latest update.
Officers remained in contact with the suspect through telephone negotiations, with members of the Crisis Negotiation Team working to secure a peaceful resolution. Authorities said no arrests had been made as the situation continued to unfold.
Speaking to ABC News, Bakersfield Police Department Sgt. Eric Celedon said negotiators had successfully secured the release of one hostage.
“With the cooperation of our crisis negotiation team and the assistance of the FBI negotiation team, we were able to negotiate the safe surrender of one of the hostages,” Celedon said.
He added that the remaining individuals inside the building were believed to be unharmed.
“At this time, everybody else still remains in the building and everybody else remains in good health,” he said.
The incident prompted assistance from multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with additional resources being deployed from across the state.
Authorities also evacuated several nearby buildings as a precaution while tactical teams secured the area.
Police officials said every available resource had been mobilised, including SWAT officers, bomb disposal experts, K-9 units, negotiators and drone teams.
“Every single resource is at this site’s disposal, SWAT team, bomb squad, K9 team, gang unit, negotiators, drone team, every single asset we have to bring this to the safest conclusion is out here right now,” officials said.
