Police search for suspect after gas attack and theft at Vilnius bank branch

A man sprayed tear gas and stole documents from a bank branch in Vilnius on Wednesday evening, prompting a large-scale police operation and road closures in the area, LRT reports.

The incident occurred around 5 p.m. at an Artea bank branch on Žemynos Street in the Pašilaičiai district. According to police, the suspect entered the branch, deployed tear gas, and fled with a secure container holding documents. No injuries were reported.

Police spokesperson Ramūnas Matonis told LRT Radio that officers are searching for the suspect based on witness descriptions, with roadblocks set up in surrounding streets. “A fairly large police force has been dispatched to the scene, and nearby roads have been closed,” confirmed Julija Samorokovskaja of the Vilnius County Chief Police Commissariat.

A pre-trial investigation has been launched. Fire and rescue teams are also assisting at the location.