Man Held in Fatal Stabbing During Rialto Bank Robbery

A man robbed a Rialto bank at knifepoint Wednesday, stabbed a customer to death and held about 30 others hostage before he was arrested trying to escape, authorities said,

Sheldon Townsy, 32, of San Bernardino was booked on suspicion of murder and attempted robbery. He also was booked on another count of attempted robbery and attempted murder in connection with the robbery of an adult bookstore earlier in the day, Rialto police said.

They said Townsy held up Home Savings and Loan in Rialto Wednesday afternoon and held the customers hostage for about half an hour before attempting to escape. Police did not disclose how the bank customer was killed.

Early Wednesday morning, Townsy allegedly attempted to rob the Fantasy 66 bookstore in Rialto. He stabbed a customer in the head and chest before fleeing, police said. The man was reported in serious condition at a local hospital late Wednesday.