Police 'amazed' by customers who thwarted armed bank robbery in Abbotsford

Police say a suspect is in custody after customers in a bank in Abbotsford, B.C., refused to obey orders from a shotgun-brandishing robber and tackled the person instead. 

A statement from Abbotsford police says a person entered a Scotiabank branch in the city just before noon Wednesday and ordered customers to the floor.

The would-be robber then threw bags onto a counter and demanded money, but was confronted first by one customer, and then three more.  

The four customers tackled the robber, took away the gun and held the suspect until officers arrived minutes later. 

No one was hurt. Sgt. Judy Bird says a 46-year-old is facing robbery and firearms-related charges.

Bird says police are thankful for the community support and "amazed'' at the willingness of the four customers to protect others in the bank.

"As grateful as we are for this outcome, we remind the public to be aware of how volatile and dangerous these situations can be, especially with armed suspects,'' Bird said in a statement Thursday.