Bomb threat and hostage situation reported at bank in Bakersfield, CA

A bomb threat at a Chase Bank in downtown Bakersfield, California, led to a barricade situation with several people inside the building, according to police. No injuries have been reported.

The incident began at about 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Chase Bank building at Chester Avenue and 17th Street, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.

Police said an adult male barricaded himself inside the building with several community members after the bomb threat was reported. Some people were able to evacuate, but police have not said how many remain inside.

Officers and members of the department’s Crisis Negotiation Team remain in contact with the man by telephone, police said. No arrests have been made.

Earlier Tuesday, Bakersfield Police Sgt. Eric Celedon said buildings around the bank had been evacuated and urged people to avoid the downtown area.

“This is a very active scene,” Celedon said. “If you are in the area, please leave, and if you are planning to go to the city of Bakersfield, please avoid downtown.”

Police said they had deployed SWAT officers, the bomb squad, crisis negotiators, drones, K9 units and federal partners to the scene.

“We have every single resource at our disposal out here to bring this to the safest resolution possible,” Celedon said.

Law enforcement officers at the scene have discussed a possible device connected to the suspect, but police have not confirmed that detail. Police have not released details about the suspect or a possible motive.