Police in Tirana have arrested a 58-year-old man after he attempted to rob a second-tier bank in the former 'Bus Park' area under threat of an automatic rifle, authorities said Thursday.

The suspect, identified as Bardhyl Fusha from Gramshi, reportedly entered the bank calmly carrying a bag that concealed a Kalashnikov. Inside, he fired a shot at the floor near the cash desk while employees and customers were present, then seized cash and attempted to flee.

A customer inside the bank alerted police, and officers from District 2 were able to intercept Fusha outside. Confronted by law enforcement, the suspect surrendered without resistance and was taken into custody. Authorities recovered the stolen funds — approximately 2 million lek — from his bag.

Fusha, a construction entrepreneur, told investigators that he carried out the robbery due to significant personal debts. Police said the suspect acted alone but are continuing investigations to determine if any accomplices were involved.

The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. on Muhedin Llagami Street, connecting Kavaja Road to the former Nesharaku Bridge, a busy area at that hour.

No injuries were reported during the incident. Authorities have secured the crime scene and said legal proceedings are ongoing.