Police descend on Calgary bank after man acting erratically threatens to get gun
Calgary police took one person into custody on Friday after an incident at a Beltline bank that prompted officers to shut down part of 17th Avenue.
Police were called to the CIBC in the 1200 block of 17th Avenue S.W. at roughly 9:40 a.m. for concerns of a man who had entered the building and was acting erratically.
"He started causing some property damage and making a lot of vulgar comments," said Staff Sgt. Becky Spohr. "He then proceeded to escalate and made some threats to the patrons and the employees of the bank, and made a statement suggesting he was going to go out to his vehicle and get a gun."
It was at that time that patrons left the building and employees isolated themselves in a locked room.
Spohr said the offender left the bank and then returned – though it's unknown if he actually grabbed a weapon from his vehicle or not.
"He made his way back into the bank. At that time, thankfully, everyone was safe."
Spohr said seven bank employees were in the building at the time and had "contact with police throughout" the incident.
Police shut down 17th Avenue S.W. in both directions between 11th Street and 12th Street S.W. while the situation unfolded.
Calgary police respond to a disturbance at the CIBC in the 1200 block of 17th Avenue S.W. on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.A heavy police presence could be seen in the area, and the public was asked to stay away.
"Certainly, it was a high-risk situation because there was an indication of a gun," Spohr said.
"Given the nature of the call, the fact that there was the potential of a weapon involved and what I'll call 'hostages' inside the bank – even though they were self-isolating – that initiated the tactical response."
Just before noon, police were seen escorting the employees out of the building.
"Eventually, we were able to talk him out of the bank and safely take him into custody," Spohr said of the suspect.
"He exited the bank and was apprehended."
Police arrested one man, described as being between 25 and 30 years old.
His car has since been towed.
Calgary police respond to a disturbance at the CIBC in the 1200 block of 17th Avenue S.W. on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.No injuries were reported and no money was involved, Spohr said.
She praised the employees and bank patrons who ensured their own safety by getting out of the building or into the locked room.
The section of 17th Avenue S.W. that police closed was reopened shortly before 1 p.m.
In a statement sent to CTV News, CIBC said it is relieved the situation ended without injuries.
"While incidents like this are thankfully rare, they can be very difficult for anyone involved. Our focus is on supporting the mental and emotional wellbeing of our team and our clients through services including counseling to help deal with a situation like this."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.