Gas attack at Vilnius bank leaves employee injured, suspect still at large

A man deployed tear gas inside an Artea bank branch in Vilnius on Wednesday evening, injuring a staff member and stealing documents before fleeing, Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) reports. Police have cordoned off surrounding streets as they search for the suspect, who remains at large.

According to police spokesperson Ramūnas Matonis, the incident occurred just before 5 p.m. local time at the bank’s branch on Žemynos Street in the Pašilaičiai district. A man entered the premises, released the gas, and took a secure container holding documents. Witnesses reported no other injuries, though one bank employee required medical attention.

“A report was received that an individual entered the bank branch, sprayed gas, and allegedly took a locked box containing documents,” Matonis told LRT Radio. “The suspect left the scene and is currently being sought by a large police operation. Nearby streets have been closed to traffic.”

Julija Samorokovskaja of the Vilnius County Chief Police Commissariat confirmed that pre-trial proceedings have been launched. Fire and rescue teams also responded to the scene, while bank security specialists are cooperating with investigators.

Artea bank’s communications director, Saulius Jarmalis, stated that the affected branch will remain closed in the coming days as a precaution. “We have safety protocols for such situations. Client funds and data remain secure,” he said. Security measures have been reinforced at other branches.

Police continue to search for the suspect based on witness descriptions. No arrests have been reported.