A man who allegedly held 10 people hostage inside a California office building for more than 15 hours was shot and killed by FBI agents after an overnight standoff, authorities said.
Hostage Situation in Bakersfield
According to officials, 41-year-old Anthony Scott Searles-Harris entered an office building in downtown Bakersfield around 1 p.m. Tuesday and barricaded himself inside a second-floor office.
The hostages were employees of the Kern County Superintendent of Schools.
Authorities said Searles-Harris claimed he had explosives attached to his body and alleged that some hostages were also wearing explosive devices.
Lengthy Standoff
Law enforcement officers evacuated the building and began negotiations in an effort to secure the release of the hostages and bring the situation to a peaceful end.
Officials said five of the 10 hostages were tied up during the ordeal. Two hostages were released during negotiations.
Authorities noted that no hostages were physically injured.
FBI Rescue Operation
The standoff continued overnight before members of the FBI Hostage Rescue Team moved in early Wednesday morning.
Officials said Searles-Harris was fatally shot during the operation shortly after 4 a.m.
Law enforcement later secured the remaining hostages and brought the situation to an end.
Investigation Continues
Authorities said Searles-Harris was a registered sex offender and had previously served in the U.S. Army before being discharged.
Investigators are continuing to examine items recovered from the scene and determine whether any of the suspected explosive devices posed a real threat.
Officials said preliminary findings suggest the devices do not appear to be an ongoing danger to the public.
