Jun 3, 1:19PM

The FBI deployed more than 150 personnel to the scene, including SWAT teams from Los Angeles and Sacramento, crisis negotiators, bomb technicians, and a Hostage Rescue Team. The FBI said multiple IEDs were evaluated and determined not to be a concern after bomb technicians assessed them.

Jun 3, 1:19PM

Two hostages were released during negotiations—one at 3:59 p.m. and a second at 8:24 p.m. When negotiations stalled, the FBI assumed tactical control at 9:02 p.m. and the FBI Hostage Rescue Team neutralized the suspect at approximately 4:30 a.m.

Jun 3, 1:19PM

The hostages were employees of the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, whose offices are located on the second floor of the Chase Bank building. Five were tied up during the standoff. All were physically unharmed, though officials acknowledged the mental toll of the ordeal.

Jun 3, 1:18PM

The suspect has been identified as Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, 41, a former U.S. Army soldier who received a dishonorable discharge for going AWOL in 2007. He was a registered sex offender with a prior criminal history involving weapons and violent offenses.

Jun 3, 9:47AM

Multiple news sources confirm that the FBI shot and killed the suspect during the standoff. The shooting occurred at approximately 4:20 a.m. local time.

Jun 3, 8:14AM

The investigation is ongoing and heavy police presene will remain at the scene for some time.

Jun 3, 8:13AM

The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Jun 3, 8:13AM

All hostages were located unharmed and received medical evaluation and treatment at the scene.

Jun 3, 8:13AM

The Bakersfield Police Department were not involved in the use of force.

Jun 3, 8:13AM

Police state that on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at approximately 4:20 a.m. the hostage situation concluded following an FBI officer-involved shooting.

Jun 3, 8:13AM

The Bakersfield Police Department has released a statement in reference to this incident.

Jun 3, 8:07AM

A follow-up press conference is tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. local time.

Jun 3, 6:39AM

Local news anchor, Aaron Perlman, is reporting that all hostages have been freed and in the process of being reunited with their families. Citizen is working to corroborate this information.

Jun 3, 6:35AM

The Bakersfield Police Department provided updated street closures – Truxtun Avenue and 18th Street, and between H Street and K Street.

Please avoid the area if possible and allow extra travel time this morning.

Jun 3, 5:42AM

The FBI has reportedly assumed control of the ongoing hostage situation.

Jun 3, 4:49AM

Local news source, IRT Media, reports that all of the hostages have been released. Citizen is working to confirm these details.

Jun 2, 9:18PM

Police have indicated the standoff remains ongoing, though negotiations have yielded the release of a second hostage.

Jun 2, 6:56PM

ATF personnel are on scene, as are FBI agents.

Jun 2, 6:51PM

Crisis negotiators are in contact with the suspect by telephone. Road closures remain in effect until further notice.

Jun 2, 6:51PM

Bakersfield police say that some community members inside the bank were able to evacuate. It’s unclear if they are referring to the hostages. No injuries have been reported.

Jun 2, 5:11PM

One hostage has been released, per KBIX. Authorities believe additional hostages remain inside. FBI crisis negotiators are on scene.

Jun 2, 5:11PM

Per KBIX, authorities could not confirm the presence of a bomb, only that the suspect claimed to have one.

Jun 2, 2:18PM

Per KGET, police have confirmed the suspect has made threats to use an alleged explosive device.

Jun 2, 2:06PM

The suspect allegedly had a bomb strapped to his body, per a report from Bakersfield Now citing police.

Jun 2, 2:01PM

People have also been evacuated from nearby buildings.

Jun 2, 2:00PM

Local news reports have now characterized this as a bomb threat.

Jun 2, 1:59PM

Initial 911 reports and witnesses on the scene indicated that a person went into the bank and told people to “get down on the ground,” indicating a possible robbery attempt.

Jun 2, 1:58PM

Per radio communications, a suspect may have a hostage on the second floor.

Jun 2, 1:58PM

The address reported for this incident has changed to 1515 17th St.

Jun 2, 1:52PM

Per KGET, multiple nearby buildings are on lockdown, including City Hall, BPD headquarters, the Development Services Building, and the Hall of Records.

Jun 2, 1:50PM

Unverified reports sourced via Samdesk indicate that this may have stemmed from an armed robbery, with a suspect reportedly barricaded. This is unconfirmed.

Jun 2, 1:49PM

A heavy police presence has been reported in the area due to an unknown incident.

Jun 2, 1:49PM

Incident reported at Truxtun Ave & Chester Ave.