Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 3
Bakersfield Bank Gunman Releases 2 Hostages as Police Probe Bomb Threat
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 3

Bakersfield Bank Gunman Releases 2 Hostages as Police Probe Bomb Threat

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 3

Summary

  • Two people were released Tuesday from a Chase branch in downtown Bakersfield after an unidentified man barricaded himself inside with an unknown number of others still remaining.
  • Police were called around 1 p.m. on a bomb threat, and local media reported the man had a bomb strapped to his body; officers were negotiating with him by phone.
  • Sgt. Eric Celedon initially avoided calling it a hostage situation before later confirming it was a hostage crisis, adding Tuesday afternoon that the remaining hostages were in good health.
  • Downtown evacuation orders and road closures remained in effect, while city hall buildings and police headquarters were locked down and tactical units surrounded the scene.

Insights

The target wasn't the bank, so who are the hostages and what does the suspect really want?
With a 'dead man's switch' bomb threat, what is the motive of the man holding a city hostage?