Vilnius police continue search for bank attacker after tear gas robbery

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 confirmed, LRT reports.

Marekas Gulbinovičius, deputy head of the Vilnius County Chief Police Commissariat, told LRT Radio on Thursday that investigators are gathering evidence to establish the suspect’s identity. “So far, the suspect’s identity remains unknown, 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. Our data supports this,” Gulbinovičius said. “We haven’t seen such a crime in a long time—it’s truly a challenge.”

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

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