Some store owners within Shelbourne Plaza are able to access their businesses after being closed down after a shooting at the Bank of Montreal.
Stores were closed by Saanich Police Tuesday afternoon as officers responded and started an investigation after two suspects were killed and six police officers were injured.
Thomas Dudley, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, said the last few days have been stressful for his staff. He said he has checked in on his staff, telling them if they need to take extra time off they can.
“You feel more sorry about what the scene was and what unfolded, hearing stories from your staff and hearing stories from your customers about their experiences. That’s more traumatizing than running a hobby shop,” said Dudley.
Curtis Poier, an employee at Wild Birds Unlimited, was working when the shootout happened and said he was helping a customer when he saw a number of police vehicles show up. He said he went out to take a look, and that’s when he saw police running with guns.
“A lot of gunfire going off all at one time. so I hit the ground myself because I wasn’t really sure where they were coming from,” Poier said.
Dudley said that as devastating as the situation is, it has had a financial impact on his store, having lost about $4,500 in sales over the last three days, which is impacting employees and bill payments.
“It’s just challenging,” he said.
However, Dudley was allowed back into Wild Birds Unlimited at about 1:30 p.m. to check on the store and his cat, Ripley, who was left behind during the rush to evacuate.
Wild Birds Unlimited resident cat Ripley being fed for the first time since Tuesday. Photo courtesy Thomas Dudley
About six businesses in Shelbourne Plaza remain closed by police as the investigation continues.
Squeaky Laundromat will remain closed as it’s still involved in the investigation Its owner, Edward Park, said the shootout on Tuesday was a terrifying experience, adding he’s a little scared to go back to work once he’s allowed back.
“The trauma of the kinds of bank robbery scene is one thing and the business is another,” Park said.
Dudley hopes that fear doesn’t linger too long for business owners, employees and area residents.
“I hope people come back and they’re comfortable being back in the neighbourhood and this doesn’t discourage them,” he said.
Saanich Police said the investigation is ongoing as the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) continues to lead the investigation.
Edward Park said the shootout on Tuesday was a terrifying experience and is a little scared to go back to work once he’s allowed back. (CHEK News)
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