Armed robbery

THUNDER BAY – Police are looking for a suspect in a Tuesday afternoon armed robbery.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers responded to reports of a robbery at the Shell Station off Arthur Street around 3 p.m. Police say a man entered the station and appeared to have a handgun.

Police say the man took an undisclosed amount of cash.

No one was injured during the robbery.

The investigation led police to the nearby Valhalla Inn. More than five police cruisers, along with the tactical team and the K-9 unit gathered at the front of the hotel sometime after 4 p.m. After a few more minutes members of the tactical unit and Thunder, the police service’s dog, headed inside.

Police exited the hotel a short time later, but were unable to find a suspect.

Witnesses in the area say the police appeared to be looking on every floor.

Sgt. Mike Burns said they needed to search the hotel because it was near the station and they received tips that he could have fled there.

“Right now it’s an active investigation and I can’t disclose much,” Burns told reporters on scene. “There’s always a concern when you’re dealing with someone with a handgun. There’s always a risk if someone is willing to use handgun in a robbery. At this time, there is no immediate risk to the public.”

The Lakehead Public School Board contacted police to see if a lock down of Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute was necessary, but Burns said there wasn’t a threat to the school.

The investigation is ongoing.

 

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