Cryptic threat triggers 15-hour Bakersfield bank hostage standoff ends in FBI takedown
TL;DR
A California bank hostage incident began when a man produced a bomb-like device and issued a cryptic warning, leading to a roughly 15-hour standoff in Bakersfield. The suspect, 41-year-old Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, killed or injured none of the hostages but released two before negotiations stalled. The FBI ultimately killed him as concerns grew over a diabetic hostage’s health, and authorities found multiple improvised explosive devices at the scene. Investigators are examining a motive; all hostages were safely reunited with families.
- A cryptic message from a man at a California bank was the beginning of a 15-hour hostage situation CNN
- 10 hostages rescued after overnight California standoff; suspect killed ABC30 Fresno
- FBI Kills Suspect in Hostage Situation at Building With Bank in Bakersfield, California The New York Times
- Anthony Scott Searles-Harris identified as man shot dead after 15-hour standoff KBAK
- ‘The best of the best’: FBI’s most elite unit helps end downtown Bakersfield Chase Bank building hostage crisis KGET.com
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