URGENT UPDATE: A 49-year-old homeless man, identified as Michael McGuigan, has waived his preliminary hearing following an attempted bank robbery in Upper Darby last month. The incident occurred at the Bank of America on October 8, 2023, and has raised significant concerns about public safety in the area.
According to police reports, officers responded to a call for an attempted robbery at 10:32 a.m.. Witnesses described McGuigan as a white male with blond hair, short facial hair, and tattoos on his hands, wearing a green shirt and dark green pants. He was apprehended outside the bank shortly after the alarm was raised.
During an interview with authorities, McGuigan reportedly confessed to the crime, stating, “Give me the money,” to a bank teller. When asked if this was a robbery, he confirmed, “Yes it is.” This bold admission has shocked the community and highlighted the ongoing issues related to homelessness and crime.
McGuigan, represented by defense attorney Devon Potts, was initially scheduled for a preliminary hearing on November 6, 2023, before Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Johns. However, he entered a negotiated waiver concerning the two felony counts of robbery. In exchange, the Assistant District Attorney Christopher Downey agreed to withdraw the misdemeanor theft charge.
This waiver is contingent on a nontrial disposition at Common Pleas Court, meaning if McGuigan does not reach an agreement, the theft charge could be reinstated, adding further complications to his case.
Currently, McGuigan remains in custody at the county jail in Concord. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 31, 2023, at the County Courthouse in Media, where he will face formal arraignment.
The community is left to grapple with the implications of this case, as it underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to address homelessness and its intersection with crime. As developments unfold, residents are urged to stay informed about the situation in Upper Darby.
