Mission RCMP have arrested and charged a suspect in relation to a bank robbery, bomb threat and hostage situation that occurred on Friday.
The suspect has been identified as 34-year-old Jason James Allison.
At approximately 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, the male suspect entered the Scotiabank on First Avenue in downtown Mission.
He allegedly demanded money and indicated that he had an explosive device. He then fled from the bank with a small amount of cash, leaving behind the bag he had been carrying.
The area was evacuated, the RCMP explosive disposal unit was called to the scene, and a bomb removal robot was deployed.
It was determined that the bag did not contain an explosive device.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. the same day, Mission RCMP officers on patrol observed a man who matched the description of the suspect from the bank robbery.
When officers attempted to speak with him, he ran away and reportedly forced his way into a residence on Fleming Ave.
The suspect held the lone female occupant in the residence and refused to surrender himself. The Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team was called to assist.
The suspect released the woman unharmed at about 4 a.m. Saturday.
The man surrendered to police two hours later and was taken into custody.
Allison, who has an extensive criminal record, has been charged with robbery, uttering threats, break and enter to commit an indictable offence, unlawful confinement and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
He was also wanted on an outstanding Canada-wide warrant for breach of parole.
Allison is also believed to be responsible for a robbery in Abbotsford a week earlier.