Chilling words Bakersfield bank robber said while taking 10 hostages — as he’s unmasked as disgraced Army vet and sex offender
A bank robbery in Bakersfield ended tragically when the suspect, a disgraced Army veteran and registered sex offender, was shot dead by police. The robber, identified as Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, held 10 hostages for up to 15 hours while making chilling statements. His motives for the robbery remain unclear, although he engaged in negotiations regarding food and materials related to his court case.
- ▪The suspect was identified as 41-year-old Anthony Scott Searles-Harris.
- ▪He was a US Army veteran who had been dishonorably discharged and was a registered sex offender.
- ▪Searles-Harris held 10 hostages for up to 15 hours before being shot by police.
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Metro exclusive details Chilling words Bakersfield bank robber said while taking 10 hostages — as he’s unmasked as disgraced Army vet and sex offender By Ross O'Keefe Published June 3, 2026, 1:50 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google The bank robber who strapped a bomb to himself and held 10 hostages for up to 15 hours inside a Bakersfield bank before authorities shot him dead has been identified as a US Army veteran and sex offender. Police named the suspect as 41-year-old Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, who was dishonorably discharged for going AWOL on duty. Anadolu via Getty Images He is also a registered sex offender who was charged with sex acts with a child under 14 in 2014, police said.
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