Hunt for bank robber

Photo: Kelowna RCMP

UPDATE: 3:05 p.m.

RCMP are searching for a bank robber in Kelowna.
 
Police flooded downtown Kelowna about 12:15 p.m. after reports were received of a robbery just committed at the Scotia Bank on Bernard Avenue.
 
“This investigation remains in its early stages, as investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “However, police can confirm that a male suspect entered the financial institution, demanded money from a teller and fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash.”
 
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, about six feet tall, 25-30 years of age, with a scruffy face, brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a red and white jacket with a hood.
 
Anyone with information is asked to contact Const. Steve McBride at 250-762-3300 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477, www.crimestoppers.net or by texting CRIMES (274637) ktown.

UPDATE: 1:55 p.m.

Numerous downtown Kelowna Bank of Nova Scotia customers are being turned away from the bank after being told there was a daring daylight robbery.

No word on how much money was taken. The bank itself is closed and a sign on the door indicates the "we advise this branch has been involved in a robbery emergency situation. We will be closed until the completion of the police investigation."

Police in bulletproof vests could be seen in the vicinity of the bank on Bernard Avenue and Ellis Street.

ORIGINAL: 1:33 p.m.

A caller to the Castanet newsroom says he was trying to make a deposit at the Bank of Nova Scotia downtown on Bernard Avenue when he saw the building surrounded by police and a sign on the bank saying closed due to robbery.

The incident is alleged to have happened Just before 12:30 p.m. Monday afternoon.

More coming....