"Paul Higgins" was an alias used by a man who robbed a bank in Kenora, Ontario. As he was leaving the bank, he was shot by police, which detonated the explosive device he was carrying, killing him.
Case[]
On May 10, 1973, a man wearing a black balaclava mask walked into the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Kenora, armed with a rifle, pistol, and shoulder bag containing a homemade bomb. He told an employee to call the police and demanded money, proceeding to fill 3 duffel bags with cash.
Police arrived and one officer entered the bank, posing as a truck driver. Taken hostage, the officer was forced to carry the bags outside, followed closely by the robber. As a crowd of hundreds of onlookers gathered to watch, another officer shot the robber, triggering the bomb.
The unknown man was the only one to be killed, although the officer near the explosion was injured but shielded by the duffel bags.
It was revealed that he had checked into the hotel under the name Paul Higgins, giving a fake address of 435 Glen Drive, Toronto. He had arrived at the hotel on April 23, spending two days, before apparently taking a bus to Winnipeg. He left a steamer trunk - which also bore the name "P. Higgins" - stored at the hotel. He checked back in on May 5.
Although he wore a mask during the robbery, and his remains were destroyed in the explosion, numerous witnesses recall seeing the man in town during the days leading up to his death. They describe him as being in his 40s, with brown hair and a reddish-colored beard.
Clothing[]
- Brown and green checkered fedora.
- Chippewa bush boots with 1-inch insole, size 10.
- Brown gloves.
- Brown and white checkered jacket.
- Mask.
Belongings[]
- Brown leather wallet.
- 2 handcuff keys.
- 176 Canadian dollars.
- Receipt from the Kenricia Hotel.
- Steamer trunk.
Gallery[]
