June 3, 2026
California officials have released the identity of the man who held 10 hostages inside a bank in Bakersfield for 15 hours before being shot by law enforcement.
The suspect was identified as Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, 41.
According to police, Searles-Harris served in the U.S. military but was dishonorably discharged after going Absent Without Leave (AWOL).
Authorities also stated that he was on the registered sex offender list. In 2014, Searles-Harris was prosecuted in a case involving sexual misconduct with a child under 14 years old.
According to witnesses, upon entering the bank and commencing the hostage situation, the suspect stated:
"Today is a bad day to be at the bank."
The incident occurred at a bank branch in Bakersfield, where Searles-Harris was believed to have strapped a suspected explosive device to himself and held approximately 10 people inside.
During negotiations, police stated that the suspect discussed his need for food and water and demanded to see documents related to his legal case.
Authorities have not yet determined the clear motive for the incident.
After several hours of tense negotiations, law enforcement officers opened fire, killing the suspect and ending the hostage crisis.
Information regarding the condition of the hostages has not been fully released, but officials stated that the investigation is ongoing.
