Serial robber took 8 banks in 8 weeks across Western Canada: police

KELOWNA, B.C. – Mounties are searching for a man who they say has leapfrogged between British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan robbing banks at gunpoint.

At a news conference in Kelowna, B.C., Tuesday, Mounties said the man has robbed eight banks over an eight-week period.

The first robbery police recorded was Dec. 1 in Princeton, B.C. Eight days later the same man was 200 kilometres to the north where he held up a Vernon financial institution.

Between Dec. 19 and Jan. 21, the same suspect jumped between the three provinces, holding up banks in High River, Alta., Merritt, B.C., Swift Current, Sask., Lethbridge, Alta., Claresholm, Alta., and finally Langley, B.C.

RCMP Const. Kris Clark said the sheer number of robberies by the same suspect concerns police.

“We have a series in the past, but nothing necessarily to this extent, with the number of robberies that have occurred and crossing multiple jurisdictions and multiple provinces.”

No one has been hurt in the robberies, Clark said.

“It’s also very concerning that a firearm has been involved in all incidents either the mention (of a weapon) or produced and obviously we’re concerned for public safety.”

Clark said in each case the man walked in and demanded money, then simply walked out. No vehicles were spotted.

Pictures of the man entering the banks he robbed were released during the news conference.

In every picture he’s dressed in black, wears dark glasses and either a hoodie or a toque.

He’s described as Caucasian, has a slim build, is between 25 and 35 years old, stands between 5 feet 6 inches to six feet tall, is unshaven and wears a goatee or a beard.

Police said they’re confident that the same suspect is responsible for all the robberies and they’re asking the public to help identify him. (CKFR, The Canadian Press)