Accused robber can have a trial

A judge has ruled an alleged bank robber in Chula Vista is mentally competent to understand court proceedings.
Criminal proceedings have resumed against Clinton Forbel Thinn, 30, and he has a Sept. 21 preliminary hearing scheduled in Chula Vista Superior Court.

Thinn is accused of five counts of attempted robbery and assault with a knife in a June 24, 2016 incident at the Bank of America on E Street in Chula Vista.

Thinn is additionally charged with five counts of false imprisonment of bank employees, making a criminal threat, and burglary of the bank.

While Thinn was in jail, he was charged with strangling a cellmate, Lyle WoodwardMargie Woods, on Dec. 3, 2016.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Margie Woods also ruled that Thinn was mentally competent in the murder case. He has a preliminary hearing set for Oct. 11 in that case.

Proceedings were suspended March 16 when his attorney suspected he was not mentally competent. Thinn has pleaded not guilty and he remains in jail without bail.