Police have released an image of the man who held up the Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union on Monday, July 27, in hopes the public may be able to help identify him.
The man entered the bank at 4:15 p.m., wearing a black balaclava, a long-sleeved, black cotton shirt and dark jeans that were equipped with a make-shift holster taped to his right leg. He was described as thin and possibly 6 ft. 3 in. tall.
Police report the man approached the teller counter with what witnesses described as a sawed-off shotgun in hand and demanded money. An undisclosed amount of cash was turned over which he placed in a black sports bag. He then fled the scene – on a bicycle.
Upon arrival, police surrounded the area and set up perimeters but were unable to locate the suspect. Staff Sgt. Scott West said police are investigating all leads. Officers would like the public’s assistance in providing any information about anyone matching the suspect’s description who may have been seen around downtown on July 27. You are asked to call Salmon Arm RCMP at 250-832-6044 or, to leave an anonymous tip, call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Those credit union staff involved were traumatized by the event and have been offered counselling. SASCU's CEO Michael Wagner emphasizes that this type of incident is very rare. He expressed frustration that robbers target banks and credit unions because, as society relies more on cards, the institutions hold very little cash now and tellers no longer have cash drawers.