Standoff underway after bomb threat reported at California bank, 1 hostage released so far: Police

A standoff is underway after a reported bomb threat at a bank in California, with one hostage released so far amid ongoing negotiations with a suspect, according to authorities.

The bomb threat was reported at a Chase bank building in downtown Bakersfield around 1 p.m. local time Tuesday, police said.

An unidentified man entered the bank and was "barricaded" with an unknown number of people inside, Bakersfield Police Department Sgt. Eric Celedon told reporters earlier.

"With the cooperation of our crisis negotiation team and the assistance of the FBI negotiation team, we were able to negotiate the safe surrender of one of the hostages," Celedon told reporters in the latest update. "At this time, everybody else still remains in the building and everybody else remains in good health."

Crisis negotiators are in contact with the individual over the phone, according to police. Celedon said authorities have not confirmed if there is a bomb.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are assisting, and other resources are coming in from throughout the state, police said.

Several buildings in the surrounding area have been evacuated, police said. The Chase bank is located at Chester Avenue and 17th Street.

"This is a very active scene," Celedon said while urging people to avoid the area.

"Every single resource is at this site's disposal -- SWAT team, bomb squad, K9 team, gang unit, negotiators, drone team -- every single asset we have to bring this to the safest conclusion is out here right now."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.