Bank employees take shelter after man makes threats
Situation escalated as man suggested he would return with a gun, police say
Calgary police executed a high-risk takedown of a man who threatened employees and patrons at a CIBC bank on 17th Avenue S.W. on Friday.
Officers were called to the CIBC branch at 1222 17th Ave. S.W. at 9:40 a.m. on Friday for reports that a man was causing a disturbance, destroying property and making vulgar comments, CPS Staff Sgt. Becky Spohr told reporters.
“He proceeded to escalate and made some threats to the patrons and employees of the bank, and made a statement suggesting he might go out to his vehicle and get a gun,” said Spohr.
Those in the bank at the time either fled or isolated themselves inside when the man exited. Spohr said it wasn't immediately clear whether the man retrieved anything from his vehicle, but he did return to the bank.
“Eventually, we were able to talk him out of the bank and safely take him into custody.”
There were no injuries reported following the incident. Spohr said seven employees managed to secure themselves in a locked room inside the bank, maintaining contact with police.
No details about the man were available by Friday afternoon, however, Spohr estimated his age at between 25 and 30 years old.
Calgary police responded with a tactical unit because of the possibility the man was armed. Spohr said it was considered a high-risk situation because of that threat and because there were still people inside the bank.
“Some of the police would have had their firearms drawn. That's how we need to deploy this type of situation,” said Spohr.
Spohr said the man's mental health may have been a factor.
The CPS victims' assistance unit was engaged for employees at the bank.