Bank Robbery Foiled In Campbell River

A bank robbery was foiled in Campbell River thanks to an observant bus driver Thursday afternoon.

A bank robbery was foiled in Campbell River thanks to an observant bus driver Thursday afternoon.

Campbell River RCMP responded to a report of a bank robbery at the Bank of Montreal downtown around 2:30 p.m. on June 2. According to witnesses, a masked man entered the bank and presented a note demanding money from one of the tellers. He was given what police call a “substantial amount of cash” and fled the bank on foot. Witnesses also saw the man changing clothes a short distance away.

BC Transit driver Doug Gallant saw the RCMP vehicles heading to the scene, and continued on his normal route. Near the Campbell River Community Centre he picked up a rider who was wearing all camouflage, had his face covered and, according to Gallant, was “kind of jittery.” Knowing something was up, Gallant let the man ride the bus, and continued on his route.

As he passed the Bank of Montreal, Gallant’s suspicions continued.

Gallant decided to hurry along the route to the Erickson Road stop at the south end of Campbell River. Once he got to the end of the route, Gallant got out of the bus and phoned the RCMP, who arrived a short time later, entered the bus and arrested the man.

RCMP say the 42-year old was well known to them.  The investigation is ongoing.