$100,000 reward in hunt for violent Toronto bank robbers
Toronto police and the Canadian Bankers Association are offering up to $100,000 for any tips leading to the arrest and conviction of two men who robbed a TD Bank branch, where two people were injured by gunshots.
Toronto police released video and photo images of the two men Monday afternoon as they continue a widespread hunt.
"It’s a full-blown effort," Staff Insp. Mike Earl told CBC News. "All police agencies, divisions in the surrounding area here are trying to locate these individuals."
Violent robbery at west end Toronto bank
Earl said "there's no doubt" that the men are armed and dangerous. He cautioned anyone who spots the two individuals to call 911.
Others with information can contact police or Crime Stoppers.
At a Monday afternoon press conference, William Crate from the Canadian Bankers Association announced the organization would contribute up to $100,000 in reward money for any tip leading to the arrest of the two men. Crate said it would be up to police to determine how much of the $100,000 a tipster receives.
Police have already located a stolen vehicle believed to have been used by the men. The 1998 green, four-door Honda Civic was found Sunday night in North York and impounded by police, following tips from the public.
Earl gave a detailed description of the two suspects being sought:
A black male, armed with a rifle, who was wearing a "quilted-type vest" over his clothing, blue jeans, as well as a "hooded-type sweater underneath."
A black male, armed with a handgun, was wearing a White Sox baseball cap, with a hoodie overtop and blue jeans.
They are wanted in connection with a violent armed robbery at a west end TD bank branch Sunday afternoon.
The men, believed to be carrying a rifle and semi-automatic handgun, entered the 2555 St. Clair Ave. West branch shortly after noon, while it was busy with staff and customers.
They demanded patrons comply with their orders as the pair took over the bank, vaulting counters and removing money.
A customer tackled one of the robbers and placed him in a headlock. One of the robbers shot at him and instead struck a 22-year-old female employee's left leg.
When the robbers retreated from the bank, the same customer chased them into the parking lot where he sustained a gunshot to his abdomen.
"Bravest guy I’ve ever met in my life," one witness told CBC News.
The man is in serious condition and underwent surgery last night, said Earl. He injured his diaphragm and bowels, and doctors completely removed his spleen.
Doctors removed a bullet from the bank employee's thigh yesterday. Both victims are expected to survive.
