UPDATE: A homeless man, Michael McGuigan, 49, has waived his preliminary hearing on charges stemming from an attempted bank robbery in Upper Darby last month. This decision comes as a significant development in the case following the robbery attempt at the Bank of America on October 8, 2023.
Authorities report that McGuigan was charged with two felony counts of robbery and one misdemeanor count of theft by unlawful taking. The incident, which unfolded around 10:32 a.m., involved McGuigan allegedly attempting to force his hand through a small customer service opening at the bank while demanding cash.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that McGuigan, described as a white male with blond hair and tattoos on his hand, was still inside the bank when officers arrived. Upon their arrival, he was found standing outside and confessed to the attempted robbery. According to a teller’s report, when asked if he was robbing the bank, McGuigan confirmed, “Yes it is,” highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
McGuigan’s legal representation, led by Devon Potts, had initially scheduled a preliminary hearing for November 6 before Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Johns. However, he entered a negotiated waiver on the two felony counts. In exchange, the prosecution, represented by Christopher Downey, agreed to withdraw the misdemeanor theft charge, contingent on a non-trial disposition at the Common Pleas Court. If this condition is not met, the theft charge will be reinstated for trial.
Currently, McGuigan remains in custody at the Concord County Jail, with a formal arraignment set for December 31, 2023, at the County Courthouse in Media. This case raises critical questions about the circumstances leading to such desperate acts and the broader implications for community safety.
As this story develops, further details are expected to emerge regarding McGuigan’s background and the motivations behind his actions. The community is left to ponder the urgent need for support systems for individuals facing homelessness and the impact of such incidents on local safety. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation.
