&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Bakersfield bank hostage situation: Major police response underway as man with bomb strapped to chest hijacks California bank")
Authorities in California on Tuesday (Jun 2) afternoon are responding to a possible hostage situation at a bank in downtown Bakersfield after police confirmed a bomb threat at a Chase Bank branch in the city's downtown area. The threat has prompted a large-scale emergency response and road closures around the site.
In a statement posted on social media, the Bakersfield Police Department said officers were dealing with a "confirmed bomb threat" and urged residents to avoid the area. "Please stay out of the downtown area. Road closures are in effect and will remain in effect until further notice," police said. Bakersfield is located about 110 miles (177km) north of Los Angeles.
Potential hostage situation underway
Reports suggest that a man with a bomb strapped to his chest entered the bank. According to CBS affiliate KBAK-TV, police confirmed that at least one hostage was involved in the situation. Social media reports suggest that the number of hostages may be as high as eight. However, authorities have not disclosed how many people were inside the bank at the time or whether multiple suspects may be involved.
Officials have also not released details about the identity of the hostage or the person behind the threat.
Downtown area sealed off
As the situation unfolded, law enforcement agencies moved quickly to secure the area. A spokesperson from the Kern County Sheriff's Office told CBS News that Bakersfield police established a security perimeter covering roughly a three-block radius around the bank.
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The sheriff's office said it had been notified about the incident but had not yet been formally asked to assist in the operation. Authorities have not reported any injuries so far.
FBI joins response
The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed it was monitoring the situation and deploying resources to assist local authorities. In a statement on social media, the FBI's Sacramento field office said it was "aware of the crisis in progress" and was sending support personnel to Bakersfield.
