Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
An alleged bank robber learned an important lesson Wednesday morning: don’t mess with Harry S. Truman High School teacher George Forgeng.
The 60-year-old technology education/industrial arts teacher at Bristol Township’s lone public high school shot 30-year-old Kevin Philip-Johnson Way, who is suspected of robbing the TD Bank in the heart of Hatboro, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney and town Chief of Police James Gardner.
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As of Wednesday night, Forgeng was cooperating with investigators, who said he had a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm.
Forgeng, a nearly 40-year Hatboro resident and newly appointed council person, spotted Way after a dye pack exploded while he fled the bank. The teacher began to chase Way and followed him about a half mile to the rear of a commercial building on South Warminster Road, authorities said.
From the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office:
According to the Mr. Forgeng, he thought the defendant was armed because he had robbed the bank. Mr. Forgeng also indicated to police that he repeatedly yelled to the defendant to get on the ground; however, after the defendant stopped running, he instead turned and started coming toward him. Mr. Forgeng fired shots toward the defendant, striking the suspect in the hand and arm.
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After being injured by a bullet from Forgeng’s gun, Way listened to him, police said.
Way is being treated at Abington Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. He is expected to be released and arraigned before a Montgomery County district judge late Wednesday night.
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Authorities did not state whether Forgeng would be cleared in the incident or whether he could face charges.
LevittownNow.com was not able to reach Forgeng via a phone number listed online or at his Hatboro home.
“People are going to be talking about today for a long time,” a woman walking in Forgeng’s neighborhood said.
Hatboro police confirm a bank robbery suspect was pursued by a citizen witness – person then shot suspect @CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/bqnV53t8QO
— Alexandria Hoff (@AlexandriaHoff) July 8, 2015
