Saanich bank-robbery suspect tried to join Armed Forces: DND

One among two brothers killed by police in a shootout after an tried theft at a Saanich financial institution final week had tried to affix the Canadian Armed Forces, however was turned down. 

Mathew Auchterlonie, 22, of Duncan didn’t go the Canadian Forces Aptitude Take a look at, a Nationwide Defence spokeswoman stated in a Monday e mail, including DND couldn’t share when he utilized. 

Mathew’s brother Isaac Auchterlonie participated in DND’s Soldier for a Day program in 2018, she stated. Anybody older than 15 who’s all for studying in regards to the armed forces can participate within the one-day occasion, the place contributors tour the native base, could do a part of a health take a look at and are proven some tools. They don’t fireplace or manipulate reside weapons or different weapons, the official stated. 

“Neither Isaac nor Matthew Auchterlonie, have ever been a part of the Canadian Armed Forces in any means.” 

The motive behind the lethal armed theft and shootout stays unknown, the RCMP have stated. Updates on the names and circumstances of six cops wounded within the shootout are anticipated in the present day. 

On Monday, a handful of Gerbera daisies from a well-wisher and slabs of plywood boarding up shattered home windows have been among the many few indicators of the violence on the Shelbourne department of the Financial institution of Montreal final Tuesday. 

“It’s worrying however we now have to get again to our lives,” stated Teresa, who works at a close-by grocery retailer. “We have now to get again to work and get our groceries and all of that.” 

For workers at Squeaky’s Laundromat throughout the road, there’s a tangible reminder of the shootout: a bullet gap within the wall behind the money register. 

“We heard a number of the taking pictures sounds,” stated laundromat proprietor Edward Park. “However we didn’t discover {that a} bullet had really come by means of.” 

On Tuesday round 11 a.m., Park regarded out the window of his enterprise and noticed two males in military gear and black masks on the financial institution throughout the road. A number of moments later, gunshots rang out. Park and three different employees members lay flat on the bottom, unsure of what was occurring. 

It wasn’t till just a few days later that police discovered a bullet lodged in a comforter that had been folded neatly on a shelf behind the money. After they unfolded the blanket, they discovered that the bullet had ripped a number of holes by means of its folded layers. 

It was past restore, however Park was simply grateful the bullet didn’t hit any of the gasoline pipes, or worse, an worker. 

“I’m very relieved. We’re very fortunate,” he stated. “My staff have been scared and terrified. I’m simply making an attempt to handle my staff so they don’t have critical trauma. 

“We’re so busy — a number of purchasers have been ready for us to open,” he stated. “We strive not to have a look at the bullet gap.” 

Madison Lowe was strolling to the financial institution to ship a deposit when she seen an uncommon police presence on the department. She began speaking to a different bystander, Paul Arnold, when photographs rang out. 

“Hastily, stuff began occurring [and] weapons began going off, so he grabbed me and we hid behind the truck till it stopped,” she stated. “After which I simply went again to work.” 

Lowe stated she stayed residence from work the subsequent day. Per week later, she nonetheless finds being within the space “a bit freaky.” 

“It’s good now that that is open,” she stated, pointing to Shelbourne Avenue. “With the highway being closed, it was only a reminder that one thing occurred right here just a few days in the past. 

“I believe it’s good to do not forget that it’s a really freak factor that occurred, and it’s not a factor that often occurs in Victoria.” 

Tracey Hanna, who lives metres from the crime scene, stated the shootout and its aftermath have been surreal, “like dwelling in a criminal offense drama.” 

“There was the gunshots, the yelling and the screaming after which it was performed,” she stated. “It appeared like endlessly however I do know it wasn’t very lengthy. After which whole chaos for the subsequent couple days.” 

Financial institution of Montreal spokesman Jeff Roman stated in an e mail that the Shelbourne department will reopen “quickly,” though he didn’t present a date. 

Staff working on the department are being paid, he stated, and counsellers are on website to assist employees.   

Higher Victoria Police Sufferer Companies stated it’s offering providers to roughly 30 individuals in relation to the theft and shootings, and expects the quantity to develop over the subsequent few weeks as individuals “begin to course of the magnitude of the incident and the feelings that come together with that,” stated government director Karyn French. 

“There’s an actual vary of feelings — something from concern to shock, unhappiness, anger and gratitude for the primary responders. 

“It is vitally regular for individuals to expertise a variety of emotional and bodily [reactions], what you may name aftershocks, from witnessing or being concerned in such a dramatic occasion.” 

Anybody who wants help can name the police sufferer providers workplace at 250-995-7351 or e mail data@gvpvs.org. 

Police are asking anybody with details about the suspects or a suspect automobile to name the Vancouver Island Built-in Main Crime Unit data line at 250-380-6211. 

Anybody with digital proof associated to the incident, within the type of video or images, is requested to add the knowledge to Saanich police through an online site.

ngrossman@timescolonist.com

cjwilson@timescolonist.com