Police are still looking for an armed bank robber likely covered in orange and red dye.

A man armed with a handgun and wearing a mask held up the TD Bank branch at 4000 Quadra St. at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday (March 7), and he ran off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The man ran north on Quadra Street through yards and leaping fences, police say.

Investigators found an exploded dye pack in the TD parking lot, which likely left the suspect's hands and clothing covered in an orange-red dye.

Saanich police Sgt. Steve Eassie said a police dog unit didn't turn up any evidence, such as clothing, and wasn't able to track the suspect. Investigators continue to interview witnesses and search the area.

The handgun also hasn't been found and is presumably with the suspect. Eassie said the man entered the bank with a mask and walked directly to a teller in a relatively quick robbery.

"This is the first robbery in Saanich in quite some time," Eassie said. "Certainly the potential for violence and harm escalates dramatically when a weapon is involved."

The suspect is described as white, 35-40 years old, five-foot-nine to five-foot-11, wearing a red toque, a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

No one was injured in the robbery, police say.

If any members of the public sees anyone with orange or red dye on their hands, lower arms, or face, they are asked to contact the Saanich police immediately at 250-475-4321. As of Friday, the suspect remained at large.

Anyone with information relating to this crime can call the Saanich police at 250-475-4321, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

editor@saanichnews.com