On January 16, 2026, shortly before 5:00 p.m., the Saanich Police Department received a report of an armed robbery at a bank in the 300 block of Burnside Road West. The suspect entered the bank, approached a teller and produced what appeared to be a firearm. They fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. A description of the suspect vehicle was obtained and relayed to police.
Bank Security contacted the Victoria Police after tracking the suspect into their jurisdiction.
A short time later, officers with the Victoria Police Department observed a vehicle matching the description and conducted a high-risk traffic stop. The driver surrendered to VicPD officers without incident. A subsequent search of the vehicle located the stolen money and a replica handgun believed to have been used in the offence.
The suspect was transferred into the custody of the Saanich Police Department, and our Major Crime Unit continues to investigate.
The suspect, Alain Bourdeau, has since been charged with robbery and with using an imitation firearm to commit an indictable offence.
Victim Services have been engaged to support bank employees affected by the incident.
File #26-1011