Bank robbery in Calgary leads to charges against 3 men

Three men have been charged after a bank robbery in the southwest Calgary community of Mission.

• Bank staff locked in room during robbery in Mission

Officers respondedto the Bank of Montrealin2200 block of FourthStreet S.W. around5 p.m. MTWednesday.

This was more like a movie to me, you know,you seeall the guns and police.- business ownerDanFaassen

Three men fled the scene, but were later taken into custody.

"Employees of the bank were safely evacuated at approximately9 p.m., and the victim assistance unit was called out to provide support," said police in a release.

There were seven staff members in the bank, but no customers.

Calgary police say the robbers tied upthe bank employees with zip-ties and locked them in a room.

Pellet gun recovered

"No major injuries occurred as a result of this incident, however, one victim did have a minor injury and was assessed by EMS," said police in a release.

Police have recovered a pellet gun and are looking for other weapons. Staff-Sgt. Dave Louie says it was well-planned and the robbers were disguised.

"Bank robberies are usuallyone suspect," he said. "There may be one outside, likea get-away driver, but for this instance last nightit is uncommon to have three suspects that go in the bank all at once, and to be disguised, andto make a dynamic entry."

Dan Faassen, who owns Krickets in Mission, says he saw police catch a man on the street.

"I've never seen anything like this before," he said."I mean theodd time we have police around here for certain things, butthis was more like a movie to me, you know,you seeall the guns and police. They were here quick and their response was fantastic."

The three men arrestedin the incident two 21-year-olds and one 23-year-old are expected to appear in court on Nov. 28 on multiple charges:

• One count of disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence.
• Seven counts of forcible confinement.
• Seven counts of robbery using a firearm.
• One count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.