Hostages released, suspect dead after hours-long standoff at bank: Police
All hostages have been released, and a suspect is confirmed dead on Wednesday after an hours-long standoff at a bank in California, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.
The hostage situation ended at about 4:20 a.m. on Wednesday after an FBI officer-involved shooting involving, police said.
All hostages were found "unharmed" and received medical evaluation and treatment at the scene, according to police.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
The standoff began after a reported bomb threat at a bank in California. Two hostages were first released after hours of ongoing negotiations with a suspect, according to authorities.
The bomb threat was reported at a Chase Bank building in downtown Bakersfield around 1 p.m. local time Tuesday, police said.
An unidentified man entered the bank and was "barricaded" with an unknown number of people inside, Bakersfield Police Department Sgt. Eric Celedon told reporters earlier.
"We remain on scene at the Chase Bank building and have negotiated the release of a second hostage," Bakersfield police said in an update on social media, shortly after 9 p.m. local time. "There are currently no injuries reported."
Crisis negotiators were in contact with the individual over the phone, according to police. Celedon said authorities have not confirmed if there is a bomb.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are assisting, and other resources are coming in from throughout the state, police said.
Several buildings in the surrounding area were evacuated, police said. The Chase Bank is located at Chester Avenue and 17th Street.
The investigation remains ongoing with a significant law enforcement presence to remain in the area for the next several hours, police said Wednesday morning.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area, with traffic closures currently in effect between Truxtun Avenue and 18th Street, and between H Street and K Street, police said. Delays are expected into the afternoon local time.
