2 hostages released after man barricaded himself inside California bank with others, police say

Several buildings in downtown Bakersfield, California, are on lockdown due to a reported active bomb threat and hostage situation, Report informs referirng to ABC7.

The bomb threat was reported at the Chase Bank Building at Chester and 17th Street around 1 p.m. (GMT-7) Tuesday.

An unidentified man entered the bank and is currently "barricaded" with an unknown number of people, according to Bakersfield Police Department Sgt. Eric Celedon.

Officers say two hostages have been released from the building, and everyone else remains safe. Negotiations with the suspect remain ongoing.

"We remain on scene at the Chase Bank building and have negotiated the release of a second hostage," Bakersfield police said in an update on social media, shortly after 9 p.m. local time. "There are currently no injuries reported."

According to ABC affiliate KERO, Bakersfield City Hall and Police Headquarters are among the buildings on lockdown as a precaution.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are assisting.

California US District 22 candidate Dr. Jasmeet Bains canceled her election night event due to the ongoing hostage situation.