Security in Ottawa has become a major focus for police following a series of bank robberies and attempted thefts in October 2025. These events involved different methods, ranging from the use of firearms to the theft of vehicles. In one case, a man was arrested after an attempt to rob a bank turned into a violent carjacking on St. Laurent Boulevard. In another event, a masked man with a rifle caused a large police response on Main Street. While police have one person in custody for specific crimes, other suspects remain unknown. These incidents have forced local law enforcement to increase their presence and ask the public for help in identifying people from security photos.
Timeline of Events and Key Figures
The following events occurred within a three-week window in October 2025. Each incident involved different locations and suspects.
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October 14, 2025: A heavy police presence was reported in the 1-100 block of Main Street in Old Ottawa East around 9:49 a.m. Witnesses saw a masked man with a rifle entering a Scotiabank. Police contained the area for several hours.
October 21, 2025: An attempted bank robbery took place in the 1900 block of St. Laurent Boulevard. This event involved an attempted carjacking with violence.
October 31, 2025: Ottawa Police released security photos of two men involved in a separate bank robbery. These suspects were described as wearing construction vests and medical masks.
Damien Iqualla, a 37-year-old man from Ottawa, was arrested in connection with the October 21 incident. He is the only individual currently named and charged in the most recent reports.
Official Evidence and Charges
Police records and witness statements provide a clear look at the tools and methods used during these crimes.
"The charges against Damien Iqualla include: Two counts of robbery with an offensive weapon; two counts of pointing a firearm; possession of a weapon with the purpose to commit an offence; theft of a motor vehicle with violence; and having face masked." — Ottawa Police Service Report
The evidence suggests a shift toward more violent methods, such as carjacking, to complete a robbery or escape.
| Incident Date | Location | Primary Evidence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 14 | Main Street | Witness saw a rifle; yellow tape used for lockdown | No charges reported yet |
| Oct 21 | St. Laurent Blvd | Firearm pointed; stolen vehicle with violence | Damien Iqualla charged |
| Oct 31 | (Various) | Security photos; construction vests; duffel bag | Suspects at large |
The Use of Weapons and Threats
A notable detail in these cases is the reported presence of firearms. On October 14, a witness at a bank on Main Street saw a man with a rifle. This led to a large-scale police response to keep the public safe. Police later stated there was no ongoing threat after the operation ended, but they did not confirm if the man was caught at that time.
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In the case of Damien Iqualla, the charges specifically mention "pointing a firearm." This indicates that the weapon was used to threaten people directly. This differs from other historical cases in Ottawa, such as the 2024 robberies by David Duchene, where the suspect "indicated" he had a weapon but did not always show one.
Is the use of visible rifles a sign of a new pattern in local crime?
Does the use of a firearm in a carjacking suggest the suspect had no planned escape route?
Disguises and Identification Tactics
The suspects in these cases used various ways to hide their identities. Damien Iqualla is charged with "having face masked" during the October 21 attempt.
On October 31, police shared details about two other men who used "decoy" clothing. One suspect wore a blue bucket hat and a green and orange reflective construction vest. The second suspect wore a dark-coloured bucket hat and an orange and yellow reflective vest. Both men wore black medical masks.
The use of construction vests may be an attempt to blend into street traffic or nearby work zones.
Medical masks continue to be a common tool for hiding faces in public buildings without causing immediate alarm.
Comparison of Robbery Methods
The recent events show different levels of planning. The Main Street incident caused a lockdown that lasted hours, suggesting a high-risk situation involving a long gun. The St. Laurent Boulevard incident was more chaotic, involving an attempted robbery followed by a "theft of a motor vehicle with violence."
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| Tactic | Main Street Incident | St. Laurent Incident | Photo Release Suspects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weapon | Rifle (Reported) | Firearm (Charged) | Unknown |
| Escape | Contained by police | Carjacking | Fled on foot |
| Clothing | Mask | Mask | Construction vests/masks |
Expert Analysis
Law enforcement officials have focused on public safety during these high-stress events. During the Main Street robbery, police told staff and witnesses to stay inside while they secured the area.
Ottawa police representatives stated that there was "no threat to the public" once the Main Street scene was cleared. However, the release of suspect photos on October 31 shows that investigators still need help from the community to solve some of these crimes. The fact that Damien Iqualla was charged with "theft of a motor vehicle with violence" highlights the danger that bank robbery suspects can pose to people outside the bank during an escape.
Findings and Next Steps
The investigation into these robberies shows that while police have made progress, some suspects are still not caught.
Damien Iqualla remains the primary person facing court for the events on St. Laurent Boulevard. His case will likely focus on the violent nature of the carjacking and the use of a firearm.
The man with the rifle on Main Street remains a person of interest. Police have not yet linked him to the other crimes.
The two men in construction vests from the October 31 report are still being sought. Police are asking anyone who recognizes the clothing or the physical descriptions to come forward.
The Ottawa Police Service will continue to examine security footage to see if any of these individuals acted together or if these are separate "copycat" crimes.
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Sources
Ottawa Citizen: Ottawa man faces charges after attempted bank robbery (Oct 2025)
Ottawa Citizen: Ottawa police respond to bank robbery on Main Street (Oct 2025)
CityNews Ottawa: Police respond to bank robbery in Old Ottawa East (Oct 2025)
Ottawa Citizen: Bank robbery suspect photos released by Ottawa police (Oct 2025)
National Post: Ottawa man allegedly robbed two TD Banks and one Scotiabank (Feb 2024)
