The man who caused panic at the National Commercial Bank (NCB) in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, on Thursday, brandishing his licensed firearm inside the institution, has claimed that he was physically assaulted by the bank's security and felt threatened when a member of the team reached for his waistband.

The Firearm Licensing Authority has since launched an investigation into the matter and yesterday confirmed that the firearm was confiscated, pending completion of the probe.

NCB issued a statement Thursday night, commending its security team for managing and containing the situation within a few minutes. The statement also assured customers that their safety is priority.

DECLARATION FORM

But in an interview with The Gleaner yesterday, the man explained that he was told by a teller to fill out a proceeds of crime form which, he insisted, he did not refuse to sign.

"I went to the branch to withdraw $750,000. After over an hour in the line, I reached the teller and he asked what I needed the money for. I said personal business. I told him that $100, 000 must go towards my credit card, and the rest was to pay some people. He went away and came back saying his supervisor insists I sign the declaration form.

"He told me to step aside to sign the form, but I told him I will not step aside and that I would sign the form right there at the counter. He called the security to remove me from the counter, but I refused. I told him not to assault me because he was touching me. He called another security and they were talking until he pushed me, so I pushed him back. I then saw another security reaching for his waist. I felt threatened so I pulled my firearm," he claimed.

The customer was eventually escorted by the security guards from the bank. However, on Friday, when he subsequently showed up at another of the bank's branches, he was informed that the institution would be closing his account.

jason.cross@gleanerjm.com