VAUGHAN— A dramatic hostage situation at a bank in Vaughan ended abruptly on Wednesday when police killed a lone gunman.
No one else was injured but those inside the Royal Bank of Canada in the Major Mackenzie Dr.-Dufferin St. area were “definitely traumatized,” said York Regional Police Const. Andy Pattenden.
“We did have to use lethal force in order to gain control of that subject,” Pattenden said.
The call for a man with a gun came in around 1:09 p.m., Pattenden said. Police confirmed the suspect was still in the bank along with a number of other people inside, both staff and clients.
Police killed a gunman at a bank in Vaughan after he took hostages.
“They were able to get some of the employees and patrons out, but not all,” Pattenden said. “It did turn into a hostage situation for us.”
The Special Investigations Unit, which investigates all deaths involving police, were called in.
According to the SIU, two officers fired at the 25-year-old suspect.
Eight of the unit’s investigators and four forensic investigators have been assigned to this case. They are asking for anyone with video evidence to come forward.
A paramedic bus with flashing lights was parked in a plaza across the street with at least 10 people on board.
Wrapped in white blankets, some of the hostages left the vehicle briefly and were escorted by officers as they ducked into a Popeye’s chicken restaurant. All of them declined to speak to media.
A number of bewildered LCBO employees watched the unfolding scene. They were instructed to close the store and leave the area.
The bank is situated in a plaza with a child-care centre, dentist’s office, drug store and other outlets. Police said many people were in the plaza at the time, and some reported being told to take cover as the drama unfolded. A negotiating team was brought in to no avail.
Investigators cleared the bank and checked a vehicle to try to find out more about the gunman and his motivation.
Pattenden said he had no details on how many people were caught up in the bank or whether the man made any specific demands.
Hostages were moved to a bus after a gunman was shot and killed at a Vaughan bank.
“I can’t even tell you it was a robbery,” Pattenden added. “(But) being in the bank with a gun was very threatening.”
York’s police force dispatched a K-9 unit, emergency response officers and air support.
In a statement, the RBC said it was “extremely relieved” customers and employees were safe.
“Out of respect for our clients and employees who were involved in this incident, and the ongoing investigation, we will not be commenting further,” the bank said.
– With files by the Canadian Press