California Today

Bakersfield Police Chief Details Department's Role in KCSOS Hostage Standoff

09 June 2026 14:55

Bakersfield Police Chief Brent Stratton spoke publicly for the first time about the June 2 hostage standoff at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools building. - The suspect, Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, wore a fake bomb vest and took nearly a dozen hostages.

- The FBI's Hostage Rescue Team shot and killed the suspect after a 15-hour standoff; all hostages were rescued unharmed. - Stratton praised the crisis negotiation team for their composure and emphasized the department's commitment to learning from the incident.

The department is reviewing body-worn camera footage and other materials to produce an after-action report.

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