Bank robbery attempt in the US: Suspect barricades himself, takes multiple people hostage
A bank robbery attempt in the US state of California has turned into a hostage crisis. Responding to a bomb threat, authorities determined that multiple people were being held inside, and negotiations with the suspect are ongoing as part of an operation involving the FBI.
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An incident at a bank branch in the US state of California has put security forces on high alert. A person, who allegedly attempted to rob the bank, has taken multiple people inside as hostages.
The incident occurred around 1:00 PM local time on Tuesday at a Chase Bank branch in downtown Bakersfield. Police teams were dispatched to the area shortly after receiving a report of a bomb threat.
SUSPECT BARRICADED IN THE BANK
Upon arriving at the scene, teams determined that a man had locked himself inside the building with multiple people. While security forces took extensive measures in the surrounding area, FBI teams were also directed to the scene.
TWO HOSTAGES RELEASED
Bakersfield Police Sergeant Eric Celedon announced that two hostages had been released as a result of negotiations conducted with the suspect. Authorities reported that the other hostages inside are in good health.
SURROUNDING BUILDINGS EVACUATED
For security reasons, some public buildings in the vicinity, including the city hall and the police station, were evacuated. Additionally, some roads near the incident area were temporarily closed to traffic.
While police and FBI teams have established a security perimeter around the bank, it was stated that negotiations with the suspect are continuing.