A tense overnight hostage crisis at a Chase Bank in Bakersfield came to an end early Wednesday when the suspect, who claimed to be carrying explosives on his body, was fatally shot during a law enforcement operation, authorities said.

Police reported that every hostage held inside the bank was safely rescued and suffered no injuries. Although none required emergency treatment, those involved were evaluated by medical personnel at the scene. The standoff concluded shortly after 4:20 a.m.

“The hostage situation concluded following an officer-involved shooting involving Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel,” Bakersfield police said in a news release.

Authorities have continued to block off streets surrounding the bank while investigators process the scene. Police announced that additional details would be released during a press conference scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Earlier in the ordeal, negotiators succeeded in persuading the suspect to release two hostages. Law enforcement officials had maintained communication with him by telephone throughout the standoff.

As the situation unfolded, officials established a security perimeter covering the area between 18th Street and Truxtun Avenue and stretching from Chester Avenue to H Street.

When the suspect initially barricaded himself inside the bank on Tuesday, several customers and employees were still in the building. Some individuals managed to escape before the situation escalated further.

Authorities said no injuries were reported during the incident. In a statement issued around 6 p.m. Tuesday, the Bakersfield Police Department said that “an adult male subject had barricaded himself inside the building with several community members.”

Several hours later, police announced that negotiators had secured the release of another hostage.

“We remain on scene at the Chase Bank building and have negotiated the release of a second hostage,” police said. “There are currently no injuries reported. Avoid the area as this remains an active scene. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.”

As the crisis continued into the night, the FBI assumed responsibility for tactical operations. According to reports, federal agents took over “SWAT operations,” while the FBI’s Sacramento field office said it planned to “support the response” throughout the overnight hours.

Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh said she was closely following developments as law enforcement worked to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.

“The best way the public can help at this time is by avoiding the area and allowing law enforcement officers, negotiators, and other trained professionals the space and opportunity to safely carry out their duties,” she said in a statement.

The incident began Tuesday when authorities received reports of a bomb threat inside the Chase Bank, according to Good Morning America.

Police communications during the standoff indicated that officers believed the suspect might have been carrying an improvised explosive device.

“The suspect possibly has a makeshift detonator in his hand and wires coming out from under his shirt,” a police radio broadcast said.

{Matzav.com}