One of two suspects in last Tuesday’s attempted bank robbery in Saanich was unsuccessful at joining the Canadian Armed Forces, according to a military spokesperson.
Mathew Auchterlonie applied to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) at an undisclosed date but did not pass an aptitude test required to join, the spokesperson tells CHEK News.
Duncan’s Mathew and Issac Auchterlonie, both 22 years old, were identified as the suspects involved in the June 28 shootout outside Shelbourne Street’s BMO bank.
They were twin brothers, who former classmates say went to Frances Kelsey Secondary School in Mill Bay.
READ MORE: Twin brothers from Duncan revealed as suspects in Saanich bank robbery
Back in 2018, Issac completed the CAF’s Soldier for a Day program, which encourages anyone 15 years and older to participate.
“As the name implies, the program lasts one day, and participants are provided a certificate at the end as a keepsake. It’s not a training activity, but more of a simple open house,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
“Neither Isaac nor Matthew [sic] Auchterlonie, have ever been part of the Canadian Armed Forces in any way.”
On Saturday, Cpl. Alex Bérubé with the BC RCMP confirmed the pair were not known to police before the incident, noting neither had criminal records with their motive not yet determined.
Isaac’s now-deleted Instagram feed had a pattern of language against the federal government and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, including photos with bullets and posts often focused on gun control.
READ MORE: Justin Trudeau the frequent focus of Saanich shooter Instagram posts
It was around 11 a.m. when officers from Saanich Police, VicPD and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) responded to the BMO following a call that two armed men had entered the bank.
When multiple officers responded to the scene, the suspects began shooting at police, prompting a gunfight.
The pair was eventually shot dead by police, as six GVERT officers — three from Saanich Police and three from VicPD — suffered gunshot wounds.
All six officers were rushed to hospital, including three who required surgery.
-With files from Oli Herrera
Ethan Morneau
