Suspect in shooting agrees to blea bargain
CONNELLSVILLE – A plea agreement reached between prosecutors and a Uniontown man will lessen the amount of time he will spend in jail. Skylar Andrew McCargo, 19, of 138 Lenox St., faced up to 40 years in jail if convicted of shooting a Derrick Grogan, 36, during May 24 altercation. He now faces a maximum of 10 years in jail.
During a conference held prior to a scheduled preliminary hearing, Fayette County Assistant District Attorney Mark Brooks agreed to withdraw attempted homicide and robbery charges lodged against McCargo for his plea of guilty to the remaining charges including aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment and firearms not to be carried without a license.
Before the joint agreement Wednesday, McCargo’s legal counsel, attorney Jack Connors informed District Justice Ronald Haggerty that his client wanted to seek other counsel and asked that the hearing be delayed.
“Everyone is here and either he goes forward with this hearing or he waives everything to court,” said Haggerty.
McCargo is accused of firing two gunshots that struck Grogan, of West Crawford Avenue, during an altercation outside a 215 W. Fayette St. residence.
According to Connellsville police, the two men were arguing when McCargo allegedly pulled out a gun and demanded money from Grogan.
When Grogan attempted to leave the scene, he was pursued by McCargo who fired two shots during the chase, according to police.
As Grogan reached North Arch Street, he tripped and fell to the ground.
While on the roadway, police said McCargo shot Grogan in the lower-right leg.
When he tried to escape, McCargo allegedly fired another shot into Grogan’s right knee. Uniontown police later apprehended McCargo.
He remains free on a $50,000 straight cash bond.