Man takes hostages and threatens to bomb a bank in California
A man took hostages at a Chase Bank in Bakersfield, California, threatening to use a bomb. Negotiators managed to release two hostages, while the situation remained active with the FBI involved. Mayor Karen Goh urged the public to avoid the area to assist law enforcement efforts.
- ▪A man barricaded himself in a Chase Bank in downtown Bakersfield with hostages.
- ▪Two hostages were released after negotiators communicated with the suspect.
- ▪The FBI took over SWAT operations during the standoff.
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Man takes hostages and threatens to bomb a bank in CaliforniaSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxTwo people were released after negotiators communicated with the hostage-taker by phone, police said.PHOTO: BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT/XFrancesca RegaladoPublished Jun 03, 2026, 09:25 PMUpdated Jun 03, 2026, 09:25 PMThe authorities in California were attempting early on June 3 to free people being held hostage at a bank branch in the city of Bakersfield by a man they believe could be armed with a bomb.The Bakersfield police department said in a statement that it had received a call around 1pm on June 2 about a bomb threat at a Chase Bank in the city’s downtown.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.