Windsor Star

Victim fights off masked robber

- DALSON CHEN

Windsor police are investigat­ing two overnight robbery incidents in which the perpetrato­r was described as a man with a handgun and a bandana over his face.

The first crime happened around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday at the BMO Bank of Montreal branch at the intersecti­on of Tecumseh Road East and Walker Road.

The male victim told police he was using one of the bank’s automated teller machines when a man with a white bandana covering his face entered the enclosed lobby.

The masked man was carrying what appeared to be a handgun. He demanded cash. The victim refused and grabbed the firearm. There was a brief struggle, but the robber held onto his weapon and fled.

The masked man was last seen running north on Turner Road.

The victim suffered a minor injury to a finger in the altercatio­n.

The robber was described as a white male, about five-foot-10.

The second crime happened shortly before 1:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Mac’s Convenienc­e Store at the corner of Seminole Street and Pillette Road.

Officers learned that a male with a white bandana over his face and a black bag on his head had entered the store brandishin­g a handgun.

Police said the black bag appeared to be meant for a laptop.

The masked man demanded money from the store employee. After taking a quantity of cash, the robber fled and was last seen walking through the store’s parking lot in a northweste­rly direction. No one was hurt. The robber was described as a white male, about five-foot-eight.

Along with the kerchief and the laptop bag, he was wearing a white T-shirt, beige shorts, white socks and black shoes.

Store security cameras recorded images of the perpetrato­r.

Windsor police spokesman Sgt. Steve Betteridge said it’s too early in the investigat­ion to tell if it’s the same suspect in the two incidents.

Regarding the first incident at the ATM, Betteridge said the victim’s attempt to grab the handgun was not advisable.

“It is not something we recommend,” Betteridge said.

“Our recommenda­tion in any situation where there is potential for violence is to co-operate and have the matter done with quickly. Gather as much informatio­n as you can and contact authoritie­s as quickly as you can.”

Anyone with informatio­n about either of these incidents is asked to call investigat­ors at 519-2556700 ext. 4830. Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or catchcrook­s.com. dchen@postmedia.com

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