A man who took ten school employees hostage and claimed to have strapped explosives to himself and his victims has been shot dead by law enforcement in Bakersfield, California.
Standoff Ends in Fatal Shooting
Authorities stormed the building overnight, ending a nearly 16-hour standoff. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, tied up half the hostages and asserted that he had placed explosives on them and himself, according to police.
The hostages, all employees of the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, were found unharmed inside the building, which also houses a Chase bank. Bakersfield Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Blakemore confirmed their safety.
Suspect's Background
Searles-Harris, an Army veteran with a dishonorable discharge, had a history of trouble with law enforcement and was a registered sex offender. He was shot and killed around 4:20 a.m., said Sid Patel, special agent in charge of the FBI's Sacramento office.
After barricading himself on the second floor, Searles-Harris told police he had a bomb. Authorities are testing the devices he claimed were explosives, but Patel noted they do not appear to be a concern.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.
