Hostage and bomb threat at Chase Bank locks down downtown Bakersfield

A man with an apparent bomb strapped to his body is holding at least one hostage at a Chase Bank in Bakersfield, California. City Hall and surrounding buildings are locked down.

Bomb-vest suspect holds hostage at Bakersfield bank, city centre sealed off

Bakersfield police confirmed an active hostage situation at the Chase Bank on 17th Street and Chester Avenue on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, bakersfieldnow.com reports. The suspect, a man, is making bomb threats and is believed to have an explosive device strapped to his body.

At least one hostage is being held inside the bank. Officers are actively negotiating with the suspect.

A large perimeter has been established. Streets between 18th Street and Truxtun Avenue, and between Chester and H Streets, are closed to traffic and pedestrians. The Bakersfield Police Department has urged the public to stay clear of the area.

The City of Bakersfield said the incident is taking place on private property near several municipal buildings. As a precaution, City Hall North, City Hall South, the Development Services Building, and Bakersfield Police Headquarters have all been placed on lockdown until further notice. Public access to those properties is suspended.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)