On July 1, William Curtis Ouellette, a 21-year-old Saskatoon man, was arrested following the robbery of the Weyburn branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia located at 110 Government Road.

Also charged in connection with the robbery was Natalie Sears, 26, a recent resident of Saskatoon and current resident of Weyburn.

The robbery occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m. on Friday. Weyburn Police Chief Bill Millar said the investigation showed that a lone male entered the bank and approached a teller, making it look like he had a weapon. He uttered threats, saying if he didn't get the money he'd kill them. He made off with $2,600.

Police quickly issued a composite of the man based on descriptions given by the teller. A comprehensive search by police officers resulted in his capture the next day.

According to Millar, Ouellette was apprehended around 2 p.m. on July 1 at 804 Park Avenue.

"One of our members was basically looking for someone fitting the composite drawing," said Millar. "What transpired was the member saw him standing on the door step of the residence and subsequently made the arrest."

Ouellette was charged with robbery and possession of stolen property. Charges for obstructing a peace officer by providing a false name and for breach of probation are pending. Millar says Ouellette lied to police about his identity for about 18 hours after his arrest. A portion of the stolen money was recovered.

As a result of the investigation Sears was charged with possession of stolen property and breach recognizance. The breach charge is based on the fact that she was released on charges out of Saskatoon with the understanding that she would abide by certain conditions. Oullette was at Sears' residence when he was arrested.

Similar possession and breach of recognizance charges are pending against another female, also formerly of Saskatoon.

"I am very pleased and have to commend all members involved with the investigation for doing an excellent job," said Millar when asked how he felt about the resolution of the robbery. "There was a quick conclusion to the case and I'm happy about that."

A representative of the Bank of Nova Scotia refused to comment on the robbery, citing bank policy.

Ouellette appeared in provincial court on Tuesday, but matters were held over until today at 2 p.m.

Over 14 years have passed since the last bank robbery in Weyburn. The Bank of Montreal was robbed at 3 p.m. on March 27, 1986. The robber in that case, a Calgary man, was also apprehended.