Police hunt for armed would-be robber

Police were Wednesday night searching for a masked gunman, who tried to rob the Republic Bank Wildey branch, injuring two tellers and leaving other bank staff shaken.

Shocked eyewitnesses told Barbados TODAY of a fast-unfolding incident that left them incredulous, as the gunman entered around 9.25 a.m. demanded money of the tellers, fired a gun,  and then fled in a waiting car.

The injured female employees were taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by ambulance for medical attention but the injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. No money was taken in the attack.

One eyewitness said: “I was by my workplace sitting down and I saw three men run below there [the National Petroleum Corporation] and I think we heard something like pax, pax.

“I tell the others something wrong, people running. Then I see a man run and get in a van… a parked open back truck and then I hear the sirens.”

Assistant Superintendent of Police Dale Crichlow of the Bridgetown Division told reporters at the scene: “An unknown man who was heavily masked entered the building known as the Republic Bank Barbados Limited, Wildey, St Michael brandishing a firearm. He went to the teller station, threw an empty bag over the counter while making demands.

“The assailant subsequently discharged two shots, injuring two staff members in the process. He then ran away from the bank and made good his escape into a waiting motor car.”

At the scene, Anthony Clerk, Republic Bank Barbados’ Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer told reporters the bank is relieved there were no fatalities.

He said: “I would like to say we are very pleased it appears no one was seriously damaged and certainly there are no fatalities.

“Two staff were injured. One, a little worse than the other, one was really just a graze, and the other one was a little more serious, it was not a direct shot, it was a ricochet, off I believe the wall. So hopefully, those two staff will be okay.

“There were in good spirits up until the one who was more seriously damaged left. I was with her in the ambulance, she was speaking, in fact, she was on her cellphone making calls so I think they will be okay and that is the most important thing for us right now.”

He noted that other staff shaken by the event have received counselling.

Clerk said police would remain on site conducting investigations and the branch will remain closed until further notice.

Police have appealed to anyone who may have information that could assist with their investigations to contact Police Emergency at 211, the District ‘A’ Police Station at 430-7242, or 430-7246 or any other police station. (SD)