Hostages Safely Released, Suspect Dead After Bomb Threat and Barricade at Chase Bank
1515 17th St, Downtown, Bakersfield
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Summary
- A man was shot and killed by FBI agents after making bomb threats and barricading himself inside a Chase Bank in downtown Bakersfield, California on Tuesday afternoon with 10 hostages—all employees of the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. The ensuing standoff lasted 15 hours, prompting evacuations and a massive response from local and federal law enforcement.
- The suspect, identified as Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, 41, claimed to have an explosive device strapped to his body and told law enforcement that additional explosives had been attached to the hostages.
- Officers said they were able to corroborate some of those observations, though the presence of a confirmed explosive was never definitively established. Multiple IEDs were later evaluated by bomb technicians and determined not to be a concern, but testing remains ongoing.
- Searles-Harris served in the U.S. Army from 2006 to 2007 before receiving a dishonorable discharge for going AWOL. He had a prior criminal history involving weapons and violent offenses and was a registered sex offender after a 2014 charge, FBI officials said.
- Police responded to 911 calls at approximately 12:59 p.m. PT and established a perimeter around the building. Nearby buildings, including City Hall and the Bakersfield Police Department headquarters, were also placed on lockdown.
- The FBI assumed tactical control at 9:02 p.m., deploying more than 150 personnel including SWAT teams from Los Angeles and Sacramento, crisis negotiators, bomb technicians, and a Hostage Rescue Team.
- 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's Hostage Rescue Team neutralized Searles-Harris at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday. All 10 hostages were safely released and reunited with their families.
- It does not appear the Kern County Superintendent of Schools was a targeted institution. The suspect's motive remains unclear.
- Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.
Timeline
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The investigation is ongoing and heavy police presene will remain at the scene for some time.
The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
All hostages were located unharmed and received medical evaluation and treatment at the scene.
The Bakersfield Police Department were not involved in the use of force.
Police state that on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at approximately 4:20 a.m. the hostage situation concluded following an FBI officer-involved shooting.
The Bakersfield Police Department has released a statement in reference to this incident.
A follow-up press conference is tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. local time.
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.
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.
The FBI has reportedly assumed control of the ongoing hostage situation.
Local news source, IRT Media, reports that all of the hostages have been released. Citizen is working to confirm these details.
Police have indicated the standoff remains ongoing, though negotiations have yielded the release of a second hostage.
ATF personnel are on scene, as are FBI agents.
Crisis negotiators are in contact with the suspect by telephone. Road closures remain in effect until further notice.
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.
One hostage has been released, per KBIX. Authorities believe additional hostages remain inside. FBI crisis negotiators are on scene.
Per KBIX, authorities could not confirm the presence of a bomb, only that the suspect claimed to have one.
Per KGET, police have confirmed the suspect has made threats to use an alleged explosive device.
The suspect allegedly had a bomb strapped to his body, per a report from Bakersfield Now citing police.
People have also been evacuated from nearby buildings.
Local news reports have now characterized this as a bomb threat.
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.
Per radio communications, a suspect may have a hostage on the second floor.
The address reported for this incident has changed to 1515 17th St.
Per KGET, multiple nearby buildings are on lockdown, including City Hall, BPD headquarters, the Development Services Building, and the Hall of Records.
Unverified reports sourced via Samdesk indicate that this may have stemmed from an armed robbery, with a suspect reportedly barricaded. This is unconfirmed.
A heavy police presence has been reported in the area due to an unknown incident.
Incident reported at Truxtun Ave & Chester Ave.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The investigation is ongoing and heavy police presene will remain at the scene for some time.
The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
All hostages were located unharmed and received medical evaluation and treatment at the scene.
The Bakersfield Police Department were not involved in the use of force.
Police state that on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at approximately 4:20 a.m. the hostage situation concluded following an FBI officer-involved shooting.
The Bakersfield Police Department has released a statement in reference to this incident.
A follow-up press conference is tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. local time.
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.
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.
The FBI has reportedly assumed control of the ongoing hostage situation.
Local news source, IRT Media, reports that all of the hostages have been released. Citizen is working to confirm these details.
Police have indicated the standoff remains ongoing, though negotiations have yielded the release of a second hostage.
ATF personnel are on scene, as are FBI agents.
Crisis negotiators are in contact with the suspect by telephone. Road closures remain in effect until further notice.
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.
One hostage has been released, per KBIX. Authorities believe additional hostages remain inside. FBI crisis negotiators are on scene.
Per KBIX, authorities could not confirm the presence of a bomb, only that the suspect claimed to have one.
Per KGET, police have confirmed the suspect has made threats to use an alleged explosive device.
The suspect allegedly had a bomb strapped to his body, per a report from Bakersfield Now citing police.
People have also been evacuated from nearby buildings.
Local news reports have now characterized this as a bomb threat.
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.
Per radio communications, a suspect may have a hostage on the second floor.
The address reported for this incident has changed to 1515 17th St.
Per KGET, multiple nearby buildings are on lockdown, including City Hall, BPD headquarters, the Development Services Building, and the Hall of Records.
Unverified reports sourced via Samdesk indicate that this may have stemmed from an armed robbery, with a suspect reportedly barricaded. This is unconfirmed.
A heavy police presence has been reported in the area due to an unknown incident.
Incident reported at Truxtun Ave & Chester Ave.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The investigation is ongoing and heavy police presene will remain at the scene for some time.
The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
All hostages were located unharmed and received medical evaluation and treatment at the scene.
The Bakersfield Police Department were not involved in the use of force.
Police state that on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at approximately 4:20 a.m. the hostage situation concluded following an FBI officer-involved shooting.
The Bakersfield Police Department has released a statement in reference to this incident.
A follow-up press conference is tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. local time.
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.
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.
The FBI has reportedly assumed control of the ongoing hostage situation.
Local news source, IRT Media, reports that all of the hostages have been released. Citizen is working to confirm these details.
Police have indicated the standoff remains ongoing, though negotiations have yielded the release of a second hostage.
ATF personnel are on scene, as are FBI agents.
Crisis negotiators are in contact with the suspect by telephone. Road closures remain in effect until further notice.
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.
One hostage has been released, per KBIX. Authorities believe additional hostages remain inside. FBI crisis negotiators are on scene.
Per KBIX, authorities could not confirm the presence of a bomb, only that the suspect claimed to have one.
Per KGET, police have confirmed the suspect has made threats to use an alleged explosive device.
The suspect allegedly had a bomb strapped to his body, per a report from Bakersfield Now citing police.
People have also been evacuated from nearby buildings.
Local news reports have now characterized this as a bomb threat.
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.
Per radio communications, a suspect may have a hostage on the second floor.
The address reported for this incident has changed to 1515 17th St.
Per KGET, multiple nearby buildings are on lockdown, including City Hall, BPD headquarters, the Development Services Building, and the Hall of Records.
Unverified reports sourced via Samdesk indicate that this may have stemmed from an armed robbery, with a suspect reportedly barricaded. This is unconfirmed.
A heavy police presence has been reported in the area due to an unknown incident.
Incident reported at Truxtun Ave & Chester Ave.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The investigation is ongoing and heavy police presene will remain at the scene for some time.
The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
All hostages were located unharmed and received medical evaluation and treatment at the scene.
The Bakersfield Police Department were not involved in the use of force.
Police state that on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at approximately 4:20 a.m. the hostage situation concluded following an FBI officer-involved shooting.
The Bakersfield Police Department has released a statement in reference to this incident.
A follow-up press conference is tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. local time.
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.
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.
The FBI has reportedly assumed control of the ongoing hostage situation.
Local news source, IRT Media, reports that all of the hostages have been released. Citizen is working to confirm these details.
Police have indicated the standoff remains ongoing, though negotiations have yielded the release of a second hostage.
ATF personnel are on scene, as are FBI agents.
Crisis negotiators are in contact with the suspect by telephone. Road closures remain in effect until further notice.
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.
One hostage has been released, per KBIX. Authorities believe additional hostages remain inside. FBI crisis negotiators are on scene.
Per KBIX, authorities could not confirm the presence of a bomb, only that the suspect claimed to have one.
Per KGET, police have confirmed the suspect has made threats to use an alleged explosive device.
The suspect allegedly had a bomb strapped to his body, per a report from Bakersfield Now citing police.
People have also been evacuated from nearby buildings.
Local news reports have now characterized this as a bomb threat.
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.
Per radio communications, a suspect may have a hostage on the second floor.
The address reported for this incident has changed to 1515 17th St.
Per KGET, multiple nearby buildings are on lockdown, including City Hall, BPD headquarters, the Development Services Building, and the Hall of Records.
Unverified reports sourced via Samdesk indicate that this may have stemmed from an armed robbery, with a suspect reportedly barricaded. This is unconfirmed.
A heavy police presence has been reported in the area due to an unknown incident.
Incident reported at Truxtun Ave & Chester Ave.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The investigation is ongoing and heavy police presene will remain at the scene for some time.
The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
All hostages were located unharmed and received medical evaluation and treatment at the scene.
The Bakersfield Police Department were not involved in the use of force.
Police state that on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at approximately 4:20 a.m. the hostage situation concluded following an FBI officer-involved shooting.
The Bakersfield Police Department has released a statement in reference to this incident.
A follow-up press conference is tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. local time.
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.
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.
The FBI has reportedly assumed control of the ongoing hostage situation.
Local news source, IRT Media, reports that all of the hostages have been released. Citizen is working to confirm these details.
Police have indicated the standoff remains ongoing, though negotiations have yielded the release of a second hostage.
ATF personnel are on scene, as are FBI agents.
Crisis negotiators are in contact with the suspect by telephone. Road closures remain in effect until further notice.
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.
One hostage has been released, per KBIX. Authorities believe additional hostages remain inside. FBI crisis negotiators are on scene.
Per KBIX, authorities could not confirm the presence of a bomb, only that the suspect claimed to have one.
Per KGET, police have confirmed the suspect has made threats to use an alleged explosive device.
The suspect allegedly had a bomb strapped to his body, per a report from Bakersfield Now citing police.
People have also been evacuated from nearby buildings.
Local news reports have now characterized this as a bomb threat.
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.
Per radio communications, a suspect may have a hostage on the second floor.
The address reported for this incident has changed to 1515 17th St.
Per KGET, multiple nearby buildings are on lockdown, including City Hall, BPD headquarters, the Development Services Building, and the Hall of Records.
Unverified reports sourced via Samdesk indicate that this may have stemmed from an armed robbery, with a suspect reportedly barricaded. This is unconfirmed.
A heavy police presence has been reported in the area due to an unknown incident.
Incident reported at Truxtun Ave & Chester Ave.
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In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Intentions: safe immediate release of all hostages and for safety of all involved. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed are thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at our death. Amen. (20x) St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares or the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou o Prince of the Heavenly Host, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Yuck
I feel for the innocent people involved. That could cause PTSD
Yes, that is/was a mental and emotional traumatic experience.
Prayers for the released but terrified hostages. Prayers for the deceased person who obviously had a troubled soul.
ppl saying how he get the bomb in? Ummm it was on his chest you doorknob
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Intentions: safe immediate release of all hostages and for safety of all involved. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed are thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at our death. Amen. (20x) St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares or the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou o Prince of the Heavenly Host, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Yuck
I feel for the innocent people involved. That could cause PTSD
Yes, that is/was a mental and emotional traumatic experience.
Prayers for the released but terrified hostages. Prayers for the deceased person who obviously had a troubled soul.
ppl saying how he get the bomb in? Ummm it was on his chest you doorknob
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Intentions: safe immediate release of all hostages and for safety of all involved. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed are thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at our death. Amen. (20x) St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares or the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou o Prince of the Heavenly Host, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Yuck
I feel for the innocent people involved. That could cause PTSD
Yes, that is/was a mental and emotional traumatic experience.
Prayers for the released but terrified hostages. Prayers for the deceased person who obviously had a troubled soul.
ppl saying how he get the bomb in? Ummm it was on his chest you doorknob
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Intentions: safe immediate release of all hostages and for safety of all involved. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed are thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at our death. Amen. (20x) St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares or the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou o Prince of the Heavenly Host, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Yuck
I feel for the innocent people involved. That could cause PTSD
Yes, that is/was a mental and emotional traumatic experience.
Prayers for the released but terrified hostages. Prayers for the deceased person who obviously had a troubled soul.
ppl saying how he get the bomb in? Ummm it was on his chest you doorknob
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In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Intentions: safe immediate release of all hostages and for safety of all involved. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed are thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at our death. Amen. (20x) St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares or the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou o Prince of the Heavenly Host, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Yuck
I feel for the innocent people involved. That could cause PTSD
Yes, that is/was a mental and emotional traumatic experience.
Prayers for the released but terrified hostages. Prayers for the deceased person who obviously had a troubled soul.
ppl saying how he get the bomb in? Ummm it was on his chest you doorknob