Hatboro official chases, shoots suspected bank robber

HATBORO, Pa. (WPVI) -- A town official opened fire, injuring a suspected bank robber in Hatboro, Montgomery County.

The robbery happened around 10:18 a.m. Wednesday at the TD Bank located at 256 York Road.

The suspect approach the counter, handing the teller a note that said he wanted money and that he had a gun.

Assistant District Attorney Kevin Steele says, "In the note it indicated that if he wasn't delivered money, he was going to start shooting."

The alleged thief had just left the bank with a bag of money when a dye pack inside the bag exploded.

Borough councilman George Forgeng, who was standing nearby, witnessed the pack go off and gave chase.

Steele tells us, "A chase then ensued by an individual named George Forgeng. Mr. Forgeng chased the defendant about a quarter mile, requesting for him to get on the ground."

Forgeng, who was carrying a licensed firearm, finally confronted the suspect a few blocks away on the 200 block of South Warminster Road.

Steele explains, "There was a number of requests for the suspect to get on the ground. He did not comply with that. He was shot. He then got on the ground, and police arrived shortly afterwards."

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Kevin Phillip Johnson Way, was shot in the arm and taken to Abington Memorial Hospital for treatment. Officials say he will be arraigned in the hospital tonight.

While the would-be robber indicated to the teller that he had a gun, no weapon has been found.

Meanwhile, Forgeng is being questioned by investigators, but so far is not facing charges.