Man Accused Of Showing Up At Work With AK-47 Takes Plea Deal
WESTMORELAND COUNTY (KDKA) -- A man who showed up at his workplace with an AK-47 will avoid spending time in a state prison.
Matthew Smith waived his preliminary hearing Tuesday with the intention of entering a plea deal tentatively offered by prosecutors.
He was arrested last month after showing up at Permacast Inc. in Export armed with an AK-47 and a handgun. The incident happened just hours after Smith had been suspended.
Defense Attorney Blaine Jones says Smith was distraught because his work was his life. He says Smith never intended to hurt anyone. He says Smith has a long history of mental health problems and needs mental health treatment.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Smith will remain in the Westmoreland County Jail until his formal arraignment when the plea can be finalized.
In the meantime, he will undergo a mental health evaluation.
Penn Township Police Chief John Otto says he thinks the agreement is appropriate.
However, he says this is a very serious situation that had employees fearing for their lives.
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