A man who robbed a bank in New Westminster with an airsoft pistol was arrested on Monday.

At 10:15 a.m. on December 2, police responded to a report about a robbery with a firearm at a financial institution in the 400 block of 6^th Street in New Westminster, according to the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD).

A male suspect allegedly entered the bank, demanded money, and then fled from the premises.

By the time officers arrived, the suspect had fled the scene, possibly on a motorcycle.  

When officers were able to locate the suspect shortly after, he was arrested without incident.

The 45-year-old male suspect, Dennis Stjepanovic from New Westminster, faces five charges:

• robbery;

• having his face masked while intending to commit an indictable offence;

• using an imitation firearm while committing robbery;

• assault while carrying, using, or threatening to use a weapon or imitation weapon;

• and carrying a weapon or imitation weapon for the purpose of committing an offence.

Even if a weapon that is used in a robbery ends up being an imitation, it is very concerning,” NWPD Sgt. Jeff Scott stated in a news release. “A robbery investigation can be time consuming for investigators, but our team of officers was able to quickly establish the location of the suspect and effect an arrest. We are determined to solve and prevent crime in our city, especially if there is a risk of violence.”

Stjepanovic was taken into custody where he remains until his next court appearance on December 11.