Published: October 06, 2008 10:57 pm      

Bank robbery suspect to stand trial

A Johnstown man who police said robbed an East Taylor Township bank at knifepoint last month will stand trial for the bank job.

John Matthew Fletcher, 28, of William Penn Avenue, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Monday before District Judge Mary Ann Zanghi of Vinco.

State police in Ebensburg said Fletcher robbed $3,473 from 1st Summit Bank, 454 Park Hill Drive on Sept. 25.

Authorities said Fletcher went so far as to phone in a bomb threat that forced the evacuation of two nearby schools in an attempt to divert police from the robbery.

He was charged with robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault, reckless endangerment, terroristic threats and giving false reports. Fletcher was returned to the Cambria County Prison where he is being held on $250,000 bond.