At approximately 0900 hrs the New Westminster police responded to numerous 9-1-1 calls regarding a robbery attempt at a bank located in the 800 block of McBride blvd.
Witnesses advise of a suspect brandishing a crowbar to smash the front window of the bank to gain entry. The bank was not as yet open for business however, bank staff were inside in preparation for opening to the public.
Once entry was gained the suspect immediately ran to the ATM bank machine and started prying at the ATM covering. New Westminster police were immediately dispatched to the scene. Several bank employees and passersby attempted to intervene as the suspect pried at the ATM. The suspect attempted to flee however, the witnesses held fast while trying to block in the suspect until police arrived. The suspect then produced a can of pepper spray and either directly or indirectly sprayed several witnesses to make his escape.
The suspect dashed out to the mall parking lot, witnesses observed the suspect enter a parked vehicle and flee in an unknown direction. Details of the event are still being collected by officers at the scene. Victims were treated by ambulance attendants for the transient effects of pepper spray.
Suspect description: person wearing a neon colored ski mask
Vehicle description: 1999 brown Honda , B.C. license plate #699-LEA – On file, reported as stolen.
Updates will be provided when made available.