Saanich's bank robbery and shootouts have echoed the 1997 North Hollywood shootout.

News of a man with powerful tactical equipment on Tuesday Weapons quietly robbed Saanich's bank when reported, followed by a shootout outside, and retired Saanich detective Chris Hoesley was in a 1997 North Hollywood shootout that changed police across North America. I was struck by the similarities of.

"My mind immediately went to the Bank of America shooting. I'm aware of some of the similarities between these two incidents, so I'm the first to think about it. It came to me, "says Horsley. The person who was asked to comment on the case.

The North Hollywood shootout involved two bank robbers with bulletproof vests and homemade bulletproof vests on their legs and automatic rifles. They entered Bank of America at 9:16 am on February 28, 1997.

There was a shootout when they left.

"They were incredibly casual, but they wore bulletproof vests from head to toe and had a fair amount of firepower at the time — high-speed military-grade weapons," Horsley said. Told.

Two perpetrators were killed and 12 police officers and 8 civilians were injured. The robbers fired 1,100 shots, most of whom carried standard-issued pistols, and it is estimated that they fired about 650 shots.

"This was a groundbreaking incident in North American police," he said. Horsley. "Bank of America robbers were used to train police officers. We actually watched the video and heard the radio transmissions from the robbers ... the whole purpose was to learn from the incident and do the same. Is to prepare for what happens again. "

That level of firepower was new to the police in the late 1990s. "Therefore, the corresponding police officer in North Hollywood had a pistol and bulletproof vest, but it was not comparable to this firepower, and the suspect casually left. He was a member of the bank and engaged in multiple police. — Thankfully all [executives] survived. ”

After the Bank of America robbery, long guns were introduced into US and Canadian police cars. "It has penetrated all the way to Saanich and the Victorian police here," Horsley said.

"In recent years, when there is a request for service, I see police officers carrying long guns. That's the norm. Bank of America It was unheard of at the time of the robbery, "Hosley said.

Two heavily armed suspects wearing protective equipment were killed in Saanich on Tuesday, and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team 6 in a gun battle at the Bank of Montreal on Shelbourne Street in Saanich. A member of the person was injured.

The suspect was identified as Duncan'stwin brothers Issac and Mathew Auchterlonie. Police said the brothers did not have a criminal record.

The RCMP bomb disposal unit removes "very dangerous" explosives from the suspect's vehicle on site and for destruction. Transported to Heartland Landfill.

Witness Sheri Flyer, 59, is a Times Colonist at the Bank of Montreal's manager's office during an "incredible explosion." I talked to. Next, a man with an assault rifle and a balaclava asked the manager for access to the safe. The flyer said the shooters were quiet and calm during the trials. But when they left the building, there was a massive shootout.

"As a retired officer of the trained bystander, there seems to be numerous similarities between this recent incident and that incident, including the attitude and facts of the suspect. Armed. In anticipation of the encounter, they appear to be wearing a lot of protective equipment, "Hosley said.

Horsley stated that the weight of protective equipment, heavy weapons, and ammunition can partially influence a person's movements. In the 1997 robbery, the man may have had invincible air. Of their weapons.

Documentary North Hollywood Shootout — According to Situation Critical, both men took barbituric acid-based phenobarbital to calm their nerves before the robbery. They allegedly put gasoline in a jar of jam, placed it in the backseat of the car and set it on fire, destroying the evidence.

Horsley wondered if it was a counterfeit case, despite the time gap. "Bank robbery is almost a thing of the past," Horsley said. "Even if you make some money by giving notes, they don't happen that often anymore because you receive a minimal amount of money." Bank robbers perpetrators are also often career criminals.

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Hosley said Tuesday's bank robbery began with an explosion based on public reports. He said he was surprised that it was strange. He said the standard practice is to quietly enter the bank and avoid the scene.

Regarding the courage the officers showed, Hoesley said it reflected their training. "Locally, not only in Saanich police, but in other departments as well, we know that these officers are first at risk and at risk. Here in Greater Victoria, there are many incidents that exactly happened.

Horsley believes that police as well as B.C. will explain more about heroes. Emergency personnel, Saanich firefighters, and other first responders. , And hospital staff.

Hosley, who retired during a detective staff sergeant in February, said he heard the news and felt unhelpful.

"Only former colleagues Instead, there is a feeling of helplessness that many cannot go to help those who are your friends, "Hosley said. The percentage of training that police officers receive in this country is very high, and in such cases you will always return to your training and the skills that are rooted in you by default.

ceharnett @ timescolonist. com

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