Thursday, March 28, 2024

Saanich Police search for two men in camouflage near scene of bank incident (UPDATED)

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UPDATE: VicPD have located the men and spoken with them. They have confirmed there was no criminal intent. It has also been confirmed they’re the same men from the earlier call in Saanich.

— original:

Saanich Police, with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, are currently in the area of Mt. Tolmie and McKenzie Avenue searching for two suspicious men.

The incident, which began around 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon, saw a massive police response and businesses once again locked down near the location of Tuesday’s bank incident.

As described by a witness, the two men were seen wearing army type outfits and possibly carrying a long gun.

The first man is described as being in his 30s, and had white beard. He was wearing full camouflage, and a dark backpack an beige case slung over his shoulder

The second man described as being in his 20s with dark hair and dark skin. He had a navy black camouflage top on.

Police are conducting ground searches with the assistance of an RCMP helicopter.

“The public is urged to call Saanich Police if you see persons matching these descriptions,” said Sgt. Damian Kowalewich.

At this time, police said there is no information to support this being associated to the BMO robbery on June 28th, that saw two bank robbers killed and six members of the Greater Victoria Response team injured during a shootout.

Earlier, around the same time as the ongoing incident, Saanich Police say one person is in custody after they investigated reports of a suspicious person with a long gun in a carrying case, just one block away from the deadly bank shootout.

When the incident first began today, people were asked to remain inside, businesses were asked to remain closed, and employees were asked to remain indoors.

One Victoria Buzz reader said she was walking home from work when a bunch of police appeared with emergency vehicles slowly driving down Richmond Avenue and some walking behind police vehicles with weapons drawn.

“I was called to rush over to an officer and asked twice if I’d seen a person with a firearm or a long bag.”

 

You can send Saanich PD and VicPD your well-wishes here

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Victoria Buzz Staffhttps://www.victoriabuzz.com
Your inside source for Greater Victoria happenings. Established in 2012.

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