Surveillance video of bank robbery released as police hunt for 2 suspects

By News Staff

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be inside a bank as it’s being robbed, Toronto police have released surveillance video that offers a chilling glimpse into that unenviable circumstance.

Police say three men entered a Toronto Dominion Canada Trust branch at 673 Warden Avenue on May 24, just after 5 p.m. while a getaway driver waited outside in a stolen Honda Accord.

The video shows the men, disguised with masks, sunglasses, and hoodies, calmly walk into the branch near Warden Avenue and St. Clair Avenue East.

One of them is brandishing a handgun, which he fires into the floor while the other two approach the counter demanding money.

Terrified customers can be seen laying flat on their stomachs while the suspects gather an undisclosed amount money before fleeing in the stolen vehicle.

Two weeks later, on June 7, police arrested two of the suspects in Bradford, including the suspected getaway driver. During the arrests, police say they seized the stolen Honda Accord, and a sawed-off shotgun.

Two suspects remain at large.

They have been identified as Jesse Jack Breese, 21, and Nathan Hunter, 20.

Both are the subject of Canada-wide arrest warrants and police say they are to be considered armed and dangerous.  Police allege Breese was the one who fired a shot during the robbery.

“Jesse Breese was one of the males that day, and he was armed with a semi-automatic handgun which he discharged into the floor of the bank with no regard for the customers or the employees who were working that day,” said Acting Inspector of the hold up squad, Lauren Pogue.

Pogue said Breese is also wanted for an attempted murder that took place days later on June 3 in Barrie.

“This wasn’t just someone who was armed with a firearm, he in fact discharged that firearm into the floor of the bank and then a week later he was involved in another shooting in Barrie. It’s very concerning to the public and to our communities,” she said.

“They (Breese and Hunter) have been on the run for four months and are considered armed and dangerous. The handgun that Jesse used that day has not been recovered.”

The Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrests and convictions of the men.

“Bank robberies are very traumatic,” the CBA’s Malcolm Chivers said during a police news conference Monday.

“The amount of money obtained during these robberies is not worth the risks taken to get it. A message to those responsible is very clear and we are very confident that if you rob banks you will get caught. Someone out there knows the whereabouts of these bank robbers,” he added. “Today we are calling upon you to do the right thing.”

Breese and Hunter are both wanted on a slew of charges, including robbery while armed with a firearm,  careless use of a firearm, and discharge firearm with intent.

Breese is described as six foot three with a slim build and dark hair. He occasionally wears prescription glasses and is known to frequent the Barrie and Toronto areas.

Hunter is described as six feet tall, 150 pounds, with dark wavy hair. If you know anything, contact police.

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