Cheswick Borough Council President Found Not Guilty Of Assaulting Fire Chief

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A jury has found the Cheswick Borough Council President not guilty of assaulting the borough's fire chief.

Council President 57-year-old Jonathan Skedel was accused of punching Fire Chief Joseph Ferrero in September and was on trail for assault.

The courtroom was a scene as Skedel cried and kissed his attorney on the head after hearing the not guilty verdict.

Both men claimed self defense in the incident, but a 21-second surveillance video was the key piece of evidence.

"Angry monster is what they labeled me," Skedel said.

Prosecutors labeled Skedel as the aggressor in the incident, but the jury didn't buy it.

"I punched him after he attacked me," Skedel said. "I tried to walk away ... I defended myself."

Skedel says he was offered a sweetheart deal -- basically a traffic ticket and $300 fine -- to take the guilty plea, but said he couldn't admit to something he didn't do.

tay with KDKA for more information.

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