Two in custody after Burlington bank robbery, armed standoff
Published March 15, 2024 at 8:08 pm
Two suspects are in custody after a bank robbery in Burlington Friday afternoon, with one suspect, armed with a gun, the subject of a standoff with police before eventually giving up.
Halton Police were called to the Royal Bank branch on Mainway at 3:30 Friday afternoon following reports of an armed robbery.
Two suspects fled the area in a vehicle and were located by police a short distance away. One suspect was immediately taken into custody but the second suspect remained in the vehicle with a gun, leading to the standoff and forcing police to shut down the area and impose a hold-in-place.
Negotiations with the second suspect were successful and he was taken into custody.
Halton Police asked the public to remain indoors during the negotiations and Mainway – both directions – between Walkers Line and Pioneer Road was closed to traffic until the situation was resolved.
“We remain on-scene due to a suspect with a firearm. The scene is currently contained and the road closure remains in place. We ask people in the immediate area to stay indoors and shelter in-place,” Halton Police said on social media. “The incident is ongoing and the road closure remains in place. If you are in the immediate area, please continue to stay indoors and shelter in-place until further notice.”
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The situation naturally incited fear from locals, with some on their way to pick up their children from area day cares.
“I work 2 buildings down. Is it safe to leave? We see police with guns all over.”
“This is waaaay too close for comfort. I hope everyone is okay and that the public is safe???”
“We’re at an arena down the road and its wide open. Doors are not locked…kids coming in and out. Is this contained?”
Police responded with a warning to “stay indoors” and that more information will be given “when we can.”
Halton Police Service thanked the public for their “patience and cooperation” during the standoff and promised a further update when the investigation was complete.
No names have been released as this writing and investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at (905) 825-4777 ext. 2316.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
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