BAKERSFIELD, CA – A tense 15-hour standoff ended early Wednesday morning after the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team shot and killed an armed suspect who had barricaded himself inside a downtown bank building with 10 hostages.
The Incident and Bomb Threat
The crisis began at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Chase Bank building downtown. Bakersfield Police initially responded to a reported bomb threat, quickly evacuating surrounding blocks and deploying SWAT teams, negotiators, and a bomb squad.
Authorities later confirmed the hostage situation took place on the second floor, which houses administrative offices for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools.
Hostages Tied Up and Threatened
FBI Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel identified the suspect as Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, 41. Investigators revealed that Searles-Harris held 10 school district employees hostage, binding five of them.
The suspect claimed to possess a bomb and falsely asserted that he had attached explosive devices to several of the captives.
The Tactical Breach
While negotiators successfully secured the release of two hostages during the night, further talks stalled. At 4:20 a.m. on Wednesday, the FBI’s tactical team breached the building and neutralized Searles-Harris.
Miraculously, all remaining hostages were rescued physically unharmed. They received immediate medical evaluations at the scene.
Suspect’s Background and Road Closures
Records show Searles-Harris had a prior criminal history, was a registered sex offender, and received a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 2007.
Bakersfield Police have advised residents to expect continued road closures and traffic delays in the downtown area through Wednesday afternoon as the investigation continues.
