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

Police say a suspect is in custody aftercustomers in a bank in Abbotsford, B.C., refused to obey orders froma shotgun-brandishing robber and tackled the personinstead.

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

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

The four customers tackled the robber, took away the gun and held the suspectuntilofficers 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.