North Vancouver RCMP are investigating and a suspect is on the loose following an armed bank robbery Thursday.
According to police, a suspect entered the TD Canada Trust branch on Marine Drive at Pemberton Avenue just after 11 a.m. and attempted a stick-up.
“A person came in and brandished a weapon and then left the scene. There were no injuries,” said Sgt. Peter DeVries, North Vancouver RCMP spokesman. “But we are still searching for one male.”
Multiple 911 calls came in as soon as the suspect left, drawing a heavy police response.
DeVries could not say what the weapon was or whether the suspect actually made off with any cash.
“We're just right at the beginning of this investigation,” he said.
One witness who identified herself as Maryam described a startling scene outside in the moments after.
“There were cops running outside the bank with huge guns, like, I haven’t seen that in a very long time,” she said.
DeVries said rigorous response is called for when public safety is under threat in a bank robbery.
“They are treated as a high-priority call. We make very fast attendance. And we respond, particularly where there's a weapon being brandished, with the appropriate amount of force,” he said. “It's a necessity, and it's a rare necessity, but nonetheless, it's what keeps our officers safe. It's what keeps the public safe.”
Any witnesses who have not yet spoken with police are asked to contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311.
