Vilnius police continue search for bank attacker as identity remains unknown

Vilnius police are still searching for a man who stormed an Artea bank branch in the capital’s Pašilaičiai district on Wednesday evening, with his identity yet to be established, LRT reports.

Marekas Gulbinovičius, deputy head of the Vilnius County Chief Police Commissariat, told LRT Radio on Thursday that investigators are gathering evidence to identify the suspect. “The suspect’s identity has not yet been determined, but certain pieces of evidence have been collected, and we are continuing our work today,” he said.

Preliminary findings suggest the attack was premeditated. “I believe this was a pre-planned act, and preparations were made for it. Our data supports this,” Gulbinovičius said. “We haven’t seen such a crime in a long time—it’s truly a challenge.”

The assailant, who acted alone, entered the bank on Žemynos Street around 5 p.m. on Wednesday. According to initial reports, he used tear gas and stole a safe containing documents. One bank employee was injured by the gas during the incident.

Police have launched a pre-trial investigation on suspicion of robbery.