Bakersfield police negotiating with bank robber strapped with bombs

Cops were in a tense standoff with a suspected bank robber who claims he has bombs strapped to him and has taken a hostage.

Officers evacuated surrounding buildings and shut down the street in downtown Bakersfield after the heist attempt on a Chase Bank.

Authorities said the suspect is a man who was making bomb threats and appeared to have a bomb strapped to his body.

Police confirmed that at least one hostage was being held during the incident. Negotiators were communicating with the suspect.

In response to the threat, law enforcement shut down a large section of downtown.

Officials said the area bounded by 18th Street and Truxtun Avenue, and between Chester Avenue and H Street.

The City of Bakersfield said it was aware of an ongoing incident at a private property near several municipal facilities.

As a precaution, City Hall North, City Hall South, the Development Services Building and Bakersfield Police Headquarters were placed on lockdown until further notice.

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