Witnesses detail tense police standoff after Burlington armed robbery

Witnesses of an armed bank robbery in Burlington Friday that led to a standoff with police detail the frightening situation before two people were arrested.

Halton police were called to the Royal Bank at 3030 Mainway around 3:30 p.m. for reports of a robbery.

CHCH News spoke with one person who did not want to appear on camera but says they were inside the bank at the time of the robbery.

UPDATE:
The situation has been resolved and the suspect is in custody. Shelter in-place has been lifted. The road closure remains in effect as the investigation continues. Media release to follow.

— Halton Police (@HaltonPolice) March 15, 2024

They describe seeing one of the suspects holding a shotgun against someone’s head and telling people to get on the floor as they demanded money.

The two suspects fled the area in a vehicle and were located by police a short distance away on Mainway just outside of a CARSTAR Collision and Glass Service building.

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“I think I saw about 15 police cars, and the police went out of their car with their guns drawn and a pickup truck was pulled over,” said Donald Forget of CARSTAR.

“We saw the guy in the passenger seat, because it’s right in front of our shop, and he had a sawed off shotgun, and then he pointed it to his chin.”

At the time, police told those who live and work in the area to stay inside.

Around eight employees along with customers were inside CARSTAR during the incident

“We were thinking we hope he doesn’t come in here. We closed all the garage doors, the gates, we locked down,” said Forget.

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One of the suspects was immediately taken into custody, however, the second suspect remained in the vehicle with a firearm.

Police had asked people in the area to stay inside and shelter in place while they negotiated. Just before 6 p.m., police arrested the second suspect.

A section of Mainway was closed for the investigation but has since re-opened.

No injuries were reported.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact police.