BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Crisis negotiations with a man continue in downtown Bakersfield after a hostage situation with a bomb threat at Chase Bank. Police said he barricaded himself inside the building with “several community members.”
The Bakersfield Police Department said on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at around 1 p.m., officers were called to a bomb threat at the Chase Bank on 17th Street and Chester.
Police confirm that there is an active hostage situation.
Police said the suspect is a man, making bomb threats. Police said he apparently had a bomb strapped to his body.
Police confirmed he had barricaded himself inside the building with “several community members.” Police did not confirm how many people.
Before 5 p.m., police said that, with the cooperation of the crisis negotiations team and the assistance of the FBI negotiations team, they were able to negotiate the safe surrender of one of the hostages.
“At this time, everybody else still remains inside the building, and everybody else still remains in good health,” said BPD Sergeant Eric Celedon.
At the time of this release, officers and members of the Crisis Negotiation Team are in communication with the man by telephone.
No arrests have been made.
Bakersfield police said the areas between 18th and Truxtun Avenue and Chester to H Streets are closed.
The City of Bakersfield said they are aware of an ongoing incident at a private property near several City buildings in downtown. As a precaution, City Hall North, City Hall South, the Development Services Building, and Bakersfield Police Headquarters are locked down until further notice.
The public will not be able to access these City properties at this time.
Officers responded to the scene and established a perimeter around the building and surrounding businesses to ensure public safety. Some community members were able to evacuate.
Police said SWAT, bomb squad, crisis negotiators, drone team, K9 unit, and federal partners are on scene to ensure the community is as safe as possible and ensure the situation inside the bank comes to the safest conclusion possible.
Police said to stay clear of the area.
Mayor Karen Goh released the following statement:
We continue to closely monitor the situation unfolding in our city and remain concerned for the safety and well-being of everyone involved.I am grateful for the swift response and ongoing dedication of the brave men and women of the Bakersfield Police Department, who continue to serve and protect our community. I appreciate the collaboration and coordinated efforts of our law enforcement partners and other responding agencies.Thank you to the many who have reached out in concern. 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.The Bakersfield Police Department will continue to provide updates as appropriate. We ask the community to keep those affected in their prayers.
This is a developing story.
