LATROBE, Pa. -- A New Alexandria councilman accused of punching a 77-year-old who uses a scooter to get around was found not guilty Tuesday, thanks largely to testimony from a borough employee.
Jack Freeman, who suffered a stroke 20 years ago, claimed that he was near the New Alexandria Fire Department when Dr. William Stitt blocked his scooter's path with his truck and trailer.
Freeman claimed when he tried to squeeze through, Stitt punched him in the shoulder and called him a name. However, District Judge Michael Mahady found Stitt not guilty on Tuesday.
Channel 4 Action News' Jennifer Miele was in the courtroom and reported that Mahady's decision came after a borough employee testified that Freeman bumped into Stitt with his scooter, causing Stitt to lose his balance.
Stitt claimed the bump caused him to fall into Freeman and that there was no punch.
The employee who testified, and who state police said originally told them he didn't see the end of the confrontation, also told the court he heard Stitt call Freeman a name.
Stitt did not comment while leaving the courtroom after the verdict was announced.
"I got pain in my fingers, tingling in my fingers, and I go for therapy three times a week to my doctor," Freeman said.
The he-said, he-said case came down to the testimony of Larry Tenerovich, a New Alexandria borough employee. On Tuesday, he told a judge he saw the entire confrontation.
"Did you tell the truth?" Miele asked outside the courtroom.
"Yes, I did," Tenerovich said.
"And you did not see a punch?" Miele asked.
"No, I didn't," Tenerovich said.
The case has left New Alexandria and its council divided.
"I do feel sorry for the town, that a man that's disabled is treated like that. The whole town is behind Jack. We all love him," Mayor Betty Cain said.
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