Big 5 hostage suspect deemed competent to stand trial

A man accused of taking hostages during an alleged botched robbery in August at a Yuba City sporting goods store was deemed competent to stand trial on Monday on Sutter County Superior Court.

Criminal proceedings were re-instated against Juan Carlos Alvarez, 29.

He understands the charges against him and can aid his attorney in his defense, it was ruled.

The Modesto man was arrested on Aug. 6 after a four-hour standoff with Yuba City police at Big 5 Sporting Goods on Colusa Avenue.

One of the hostages, Allyson Taylor, 18, a Yuba City native, was credited with helping police end the standoff peacefully.

Taylor believes Alvarez intended to commit "suicide by cop."

Alvarez entered the store late in the morning and fired a single shot from a handgun into the ceiling and took two hostages, police said.

He has pleaded not guilty to robbery, assault and false imprisonment charges. Alvarez remains in custody without bail at the Sutter County Jail.

He is due back in court Nov. 15 for a pretrial conference.

A preliminary hearing is set Nov. 16.