Charges Dropped In Washington Co. Home Invasion Case
WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) -- A man who allegedly broke into a home and held a gun to the homeowner's head is no longer facing charges in the case.
Jonathan Finley, the victim in the case, says he feels the justice system has failed him.
"Put a bullet in chamber, put a gun to my face and he said, 'I need some money,'" Finley said.
He has proof of the alleged crime on video surveillance. The tape shows the suspect, identified as Brandon Wise, an acquaintance, holding the gun.
It also shows Finley walking towards the door with his gun.
"I didn't want to kill him," he told KDKA-TV. "I don't want to see him dead, you know, I want to see justice."
Wise was arrested while being treated at a hospital. He was freed on bond, but charges robbery, attempted theft, terrorist threats and reckless endangerment were dismissed because of Rule 600.
Under the constitution, the state guarantees defendants a speedy trial in a year if they're free on bond.
Washington County District Attorney Steven Toprani says the ruling will be appealed before the state's Superior Court.
"In this instance, we were right up on the clock – we … recognized that – that's why we called the case in," he said. "Unfortunately, the court wasn't available to hear the case at the time we called it and the law does provide for that, so that's the argument we'll ultimately make to the Superior Court."
Six cases were dismissed under Rule 600 and more could come in the future.
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