Federal authorities joined local police on Tuesday after a man claiming to have an explosive device barricaded himself inside a downtown Bakersfield Chase Bank, triggering widespread lockdowns and halting a local political campaign.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security responded to support the Bakersfield Police Department.
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Law enforcement established a secure perimeter, placing Bakersfield City Hall and Police Headquarters on immediate lockdown.
Negotiations Underway
Negotiators made contact with the suspect at the bank located at Chester and 17th Street following an emergency report around 1 p.
m. Police confirmed that one hostage was released, and the remaining individuals inside were reported safe.
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Sgt. Eric Celedon of the Bakersfield Police Department described the suspect as "barricaded."
The standoff caused disruptions beyond government operations. Dr. Jasmeet Bains, a candidate for California U.
S.
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District 22, canceled her scheduled election night event due to the security threat at the nearby bank, according to ABC affiliate KERO.
