Bakersfield bank hostage standoff escalates as police negotiate releases

A suspect barricaded inside a downtown Chase Bank in Bakersfield with several hostages, triggering an hours-long standoff. The suspect has agreed to release two hostages, and no injuries have been reported. SWAT teams, hostage negotiators and a bomb squad are on scene as the FBI assists; nearby buildings were evacuated and the public is urged to avoid the area while the investigation continues.