BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA — A dramatic 15-hour hostage crisis at a downtown Bakersfield office building ended Wednesday morning after law enforcement officers rescued all hostages unharmed and the suspect was killed during an FBI-involved shooting.
Authorities identified the suspect as Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, 41, an Army veteran and convicted sex offender. According to officials, Searles-Harris took 10 hostages Tuesday afternoon inside the Kern County school superintendent’s offices located on the second floor of a building that also houses a Chase Bank branch.
The standoff began around 1 p.m. Tuesday when the suspect barricaded himself inside the building and claimed to have explosives attached to his body. Law enforcement officers responding to the scene confirmed observing what appeared to be explosive devices.
“The suspect advised he had explosives attached to his person,” Bakersfield Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Blakemore said. Authorities also confirmed that the suspect claimed additional explosives had been attached to some hostages.
The incident prompted a massive law enforcement response, with nearby streets closed and government buildings placed under lockdown. Negotiators communicated with the suspect by telephone throughout the ordeal while specialized tactical teams, including the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team, were deployed to the scene.
During negotiations, two hostages were released Tuesday evening. However, several others remained inside as authorities continued efforts to secure a peaceful resolution.
The standoff came to an end at approximately 4:20 a.m. Wednesday when an FBI-involved shooting occurred inside the building. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials have not yet disclosed specific details about the circumstances leading to the shooting or whether the suspect directly threatened officers immediately beforehand.
Bakersfield Police confirmed that all remaining hostages were safely recovered and underwent medical evaluations at the scene. No hostage injuries were reported.
Family members gathered nearby were later reunited with their loved ones after hostages were transported to police facilities following their rescue.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the hostage-taking or any specific demands made by the suspect during negotiations.
The building targeted in the incident houses both a Chase Bank location and offices used by the Kern County school district, including student services and administrative departments.
Federal and local investigators continue to examine the scene and review evidence related to the bomb threat and hostage situation.
The incident marks one of the most significant hostage crises in Bakersfield in recent years and remains under active investigation by federal and local law enforcement agencies.
