Man takes hostages at bank in California after bomb threat PHOTO/VIDEO

A standoff is underway in Bakersfield, California, after a bomb threat at a bank led to a hostage situation and a large-scale police response, authorities said.

The incident began around 1 p.m. local time on June 2 at a Chase Bank building in downtown Bakersfield, where police said an unidentified man entered the premises and became “barricaded” with an unknown number of people inside, ABC News reports.

“We remain on scene at the Chase Bank building and have negotiated the release of a second hostage,” Bakersfield police said in an update on social media, shortly after 9 p.m. local time. “There are currently no injuries reported.”

Crisis negotiators have been in contact with the suspect by phone, according to police. Authorities said it remains unclear whether there is an actual explosive device inside the building.

"This is a very active scene," Bakersfield Police Department Sgt. Eric 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."

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are assisting local authorities, with additional resources deployed from across the state.

Police said several nearby buildings have been evacuated as the situation continues to unfold at the intersection of Chester Avenue and 17th Street.

By Sabina Mammadli