The former president of Mount Royal University student union has been charged in a bank robbery, and was already wanted for fraud, the Herald has learned.

Meghan Darcy Melnyk, 27, has been charged in the robbery of the Servus Credit Union, 5300 block of 68th Avenue S.E., yesterday afternoon.

Staff members at the bank were able to get a licence plate of the PT Cruiser. It was spotted by a police helicopter and once it parked, a woman was arrested on the scene.

She was alone with a dog at the time.

Police say no weapon was seen during the robbery but a knife was later found in the vehicle.

Melnyk resigned a month ago from her role as student union president.

On Jan. 31, the students’ association released a statement saying Melnyk had resigned following the first of two regular periodic reviews. The review “identified several potential anomalies and policy compliance issues for which Council was unable to receive a satisfactory explanation within a reasonable time frame,” according to the release.

Vice-president of Student Life Kaylene McTavish said on Thursday the students’ association is doing everything they can.

“I hope she finds the help she may need in this circumstance and it’s unfortunate. The situation is incredibly unfortunate and I don’t wish it upon anybody,” she said.

“As the board we are doing everything we can to mitigate any impact on students through any of this situation,” said McTavish.

“We are seeking legal counsel. I’m only 22 years old. These aren’t my decisions.”

Police said they don’t know why Melnyk allegedly robbed the bank.

“I can’t really speculate on a motive at this point,” said Det. Stu Keown of the robbery unit.

The suspect was wearing a tuque and sunglasses.

“From our point of view, it’s unusual. On the one hand, there seemed to be a fairly high degree of planning here but on the other hand, frankly, the arrrest was very quick.” said Keown.

“I can say that all of the money that was stolen in the robbery was recovered.”

Melnyk also faces a charge of possession of a prohibited weapon and being disguised to commit an indictable offence.

Police said that Melnyk had outstanding arrest warrants for fraud, uttering forged documents and breach of probation.

Mount Royal University communications professor David Taras had met Melnyk and was shocked by the news of the charges.

“I can’t imagine a situation like this ever happening in a Canadian university,” he said.

“I think the shockwaves reverberate through the entire university and the student body. I’m sure SAMRU is just scratching their heads,” said Taras.

“This is jaw-dropping news.”

smassinon@calgaryherald.com