Security Guard Tackles Suspect in Attempted Fresno Bank Robbery

(Photo Courtesy:  Fresno Police Department)

(KMJ) – Fresno Police credit a security guard with thwarting an attempted bank robbery in Downtown Fresno.

Officers say 45-year old Richard Martinez walked into the Westamerica Bank on Tulare and O Street just before 11:30 a.m.Tuesday and handed a teller a note.  It stated he was armed with two guns and they should give him money.

As Officers arrived and employees ran out of the bank of the building, a security guard tackled Martinez and held him down until officers entered the bank and took him into custody.

Fresno Police say  Richard Martinez has a history of criminal activity and suffers from mental illness. He was booked in the Fresno County Jail on charges of attempted armed robbery.