An armed police response to a reported alarm at a Sebastopol bank on Thursday turned out to be a false alarm, according to Police Chief Sean McDonagh. The incident, sparked by a “hold-up alarm” from BMO Bank’s alarm company, led to a significant social media reaction, with over 3,500 likes and numerous comments on a local Instagram post.
Upon receiving the call shortly after 1:30 p.m., Chief McDonagh and two officers quickly arrived on the scene and strategically positioned themselves around the bank. Concerns escalated due to difficulties in contacting bank employees; however, the alarm was later confirmed to be false. The chief noted that officers are equipped with AR-15 rifles for situations like this, underscoring the department’s preparedness for potential threats. The exact cause of the alarm remains unclear, adding a layer of intrigue to the event.
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