Montco DA: No Charges Against Hatboro Councilman Who Shot Alleged Bank Robber
By Jim Melwert
HATBORO, Pa. (CBS) -- No charges will be filed against a Hatboro councilman who chased down an alleged bank-robber and shot him in a parking lot about a quarter-mile away.
A release from the Montgomery County District Attorney's office says there is insufficient evidence to establish elements of a crime, or to overcome claims of self defense by Hatboro councilman George Forgeng.
In July, Forgeng told investigators he was outside the bank, saw the dye pack explode, and followed suspect Kevin Way telling him he had a gun and ordering him to the ground. After about a quarter-mile Forgeng says the 6'4", 250 pound Way turned and started walking toward him, and that's when he fired two shots, hitting Way in the arm and hand.
District Attorney Risa Ferman, in the release, says it's reasonable Forgeng feared death or serious bodily injury which would legally allow him to use deadly force.
The release goes on to say one could conclude Forgeng did not use deadly force as he told investigators he aimed at Way's arm instead of his chest.
The suspect, Way, is awaiting trial on bank robbery charges.