Editor's note: This story has been updated since first posting.
West Vancouver police are on the hunt for a suspect who allegedly held up a bank in Ambleside on Monday.
Just after 1 p.m., a man entered the bank on the 1500-block of Marine Drive and, in a low-profile manner, indicated to the teller that he had a gun and demanded money, according to police. He then fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Police set up temporary roadblocks on Highway 1 and on Marine Drive in hopes of finding their suspect but as of Tuesday, the man was still on the loose.
“Because the suspect had indicated he had a weapon, officers were watching for suspicious vehicles heading out of the area,” said Const. Jeff Palmer, West Vancouver police spokesman. “Obviously they have to be prepared to encounter somebody who perhaps has a weapon.”
Investigators canvassed the neighbourhood to speak with potential witnesses and pick up surveillance footage on Monday. A number of witnesses have also come forward since news of the robbery broke.
“We’re certainly following a number of investigative leads at this point to identify a suspect, a potential vehicle involved and any other evidence.
“It’s a very active investigation in its very early stages. At this point, we’re working to identify and apprehend a suspect or suspects,” Palmer said.
Investigators haven’t yet released a description of the suspect.
“They have some surveillance images,” Palmer said on Tuesday. “They’re analyzing what they’ve got.
There were no injuries in the heist and the bank staff appear to be OK in the wake of the ordeal, Palmer said.
Anyone with information about the robbery or the suspect is asked to contact West Vancouver police at 604-925-7300.
