A man is facing robbery-related charges following an armed bank robbery in Saanich last week that ended with his arrest in Victoria.
According to Saanich Police, officers were called shortly before 5 p.m. on January 16th after a report of an armed robbery at a bank in the 300 block of Burnside Road West.
Police said the suspect entered the bank, approached a teller and produced what appeared to be a firearm before fleeing the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Investigators obtained a description of the suspect vehicle, which was shared with surrounding police agencies.
Bank security later tracked the suspect into Victoria and alerted VicPD.
A short time later, VicPD officers located a vehicle matching the description and conducted a high-risk traffic stop. The driver surrendered without incident.
A search of the vehicle uncovered the stolen cash as well as a replica handgun believed to have been used during the robbery, police said.
The suspect was taken into custody and transferred to Saanich Police. The department’s Major Crime Unit continues to investigate the incident.
Police have identified the suspect as Alain Bourdeau, who has been charged with robbery and with using an imitation firearm to commit an indictable offence.
According to court documents, Bourdeau is either 63 or 64 years old and is currently residing in Port Alberni.
Records show he has previously faced charges related to impaired driving in Surrey.
Court records also indicate Bourdeau was charged in 2024 following a robbery in Coquitlam using an imitation firearm, as well as unlawful confinement or imprisonment.
Victim Services have been engaged to support bank employees affected by the incident.
