15-Hour Hostage Standoff in Bakersfield Ends with Suspect Fatally Shot by FBI
All 10 hostages rescued unharmed after a tense standoff at a downtown Bakersfield office building.
A 15-hour hostage standoff at a downtown Bakersfield office building that began on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, ended early Wednesday when FBI personnel fatally shot the suspect. All 10 hostages were rescued unharmed. The incident began after the suspect, identified as 41-year-old Anthony Scott Searle-Sharris, entered the building claiming to have explosives.
Incident Timeline
The incident began at approximately 12:59 p.m. on Tuesday when the Bakersfield Police Department received reports of a man with an explosive device who had entered a Chase Bank building located at 17th Street and Chester Avenue.
- 12:59 p.m. (June 2): Bakersfield Police receive initial calls.
- 3:59 p.m.: First hostage released following negotiations.
- 8:24 p.m.: Second hostage released.
- 9:02 p.m.: FBI assumes operational control of the scene.
- 2:00 a.m. (June 3): FBI Hostage Rescue Team takes over on-site operations.
- 4:20 a.m.: An officer-involved shooting occurs; FBI personnel fatally shoot the suspect.
Location and Details
The building is a four-story office structure housing a Chase Bank branch on the ground floor and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office. The suspect barricaded himself on the second floor with 10 hostages, all employees of the school district. Police reported that the suspect had tied up five of the hostages.
"The suspect claimed to have explosives strapped to his body and attached to some hostages."
Law enforcement confirmed that the suspect claimed to have explosives strapped to his body and attached to some hostages. Police observations later confirmed the presence of suspected explosive devices, the functionality of which remains under investigation. Following the resolution of the standoff, police reported the explosives were not a threat.
Negotiations and Resolution
Crisis negotiators from the Bakersfield Police Department and the FBI communicated with the suspect by telephone. Two hostages were released in exchange for food, water, and materials related to a prior court case. The suspect expressed frustration over a previous criminal conviction and requested court records.
When negotiations stalled, the FBI was requested and assumed operational control of the scene at 9:02 p.m. The FBI deployed approximately 150 personnel, including SWAT teams, crisis negotiators, bomb technicians, and the Hostage Rescue Team from Quantico, Virginia.
During the standoff, authorities became concerned for a diabetic hostage who remained in communication with law enforcement until her cellphone battery died. Medication was provided.
The standoff concluded at 4:20 a.m. when FBI personnel shot and killed the suspect. All 10 hostages were found unharmed and received medical evaluation and treatment at the scene.
Suspect Background
The suspect was identified as Anthony Scott Searle-Sharris, 41. He served in the U.S. Army from 2006 to 2007 and was dishonorably discharged after going absent without leave (AWOL). According to authorities, his criminal history includes a 2014 conviction for sex acts with a child under 14, and he was a registered sex offender.
"Authorities are investigating a YouTube video in which the suspect expressed frustration over his court case."
Law Enforcement and Agency Response
Multiple agencies responded to the incident:
- Bakersfield Police Department (crisis negotiation team, officers)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco offices; Hostage Rescue Team from Quantico, Virginia)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) (San Francisco)
- Homeland Security Investigations
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- U.S. Marshals Service
- U.S. Attorney's Office
- Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI)
- Sacramento County Bomb Squad
- Kern County Sheriff's Office
- Bakersfield Fire Department
- Hall Ambulance
Bakersfield Police Assistant Chief Jeremy Blakemore stated the Kern County Superintendent of Schools does not appear to have been an intended target. FBI Special Agent Sid Patel confirmed a search warrant was executed at the suspect's home on Oildale Drive.
Security Measures and Closures
Authorities established a wide perimeter around the building, closing roads between 18th Street and Truxtun Avenue and between Chester Avenue and H Street. Nearby buildings, including City Hall North, City Hall South, the Development Services Building, and Bakersfield Police Headquarters, were evacuated and placed on lockdown until further notice. The public was advised to stay clear of the area.
Statements
Dr. John Mendiburu, Kern County Superintendent of Schools: Expressed relief that no staff were physically injured. Thanked law enforcement and pledged continued support for employees.
Chase Bank Spokesperson: Expressed gratitude for law enforcement's response. Stated the branch remains closed and support resources are available for employees.
Status
As of Wednesday, the investigation is ongoing, and significant law enforcement presence remains in the area. Road closures remain in effect.