A customer using a drive-thru ATM on South Fraser Way was robbed by a man who threatened her with potential HIV infection.
On Tuesday, at 4:30 p.m., a 37-year-old woman from Abbotsford drove up to a drive-thru ATM located in the 32700 block of South Fraser Way. As she moved her vehicle toward the bank machine, a man suddenly appeared at her side window, and demanded that she enter her PIN number.
He was holding a syringe that he stated contained AIDS infected blood.
The tall caucasian suspect was wearing a black hoodie, had his face covered with a ski mask and was wearing gloves.
The victim wisely followed the suspect’s demands, said Abbotsford Police Const. Ian MacDonald. The robber obtained money from the ATM and left the area on foot, walking westbound.
The victim was not physically injured, but was traumatized by the incident. The robber stole "a couple hundred dollars," said MacDonald.
"One of the most unnerving things, was that he was so calm," said MacDonald. "He didn't run away, he walked away."
He noted that it was also a busy drive-thru, while the bank was open, making it a quite brazen crime.
The APD is asking citizens to be diligent around ATMs and while doing their banking functions, in light of this incident. People should not hesitate to contact police if suspicious persons are observed in these areas.
Anyone with information about this incident or the suspect involved should contact the Abbotsford Police at 604-859-5225 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.