The man who’s attempt to rob Saratoga National Bank on Tuesday was foiled by police, was previously charged with a felony count of reckless endangerment in the first degree, according to additional information released by Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy.
Justin Dingman was charged stemming from his involvement in an accidental shooting in March of 2001 in the Town of Greenfield, according to information from Murphy’s office. While visiting a friend, Dingman was showing off what he thought was an unloaded pistol, according to witness statements taken at the time. When his friend left the room, Dingman fired the gun several times believing it to be unloaded, and on the fifth trigger pull, a bullet was discharged. The bullet traveled into the next room and punctured his friend in the lower back. The bullet did not cause serious injury as it had first traveled through a wooden pantry door, and the friend was apparently able to remove the bullet himself, according to information from Murphy. Neither party reported the shooting but the next day, the victim decided to go to the hospital after feeling ill, where the gun wound was discovered. The hospital immediately reported the incident to the police.
At that time, Dingman plead guilty to a misdemeanor count of reckless endangerment in the second degree and was sentenced to 60 days in Saratoga County Jail.
The suspect’s prior record indicates that he has made some poor decisions in the past. He was extremely lucky that his friend did not go to the police to file a complaint. He is even luckier that he did not accidentally kill his friend. People need to handle guns with care and with knowledge that without proper safety precautions, deadly consequences can result. Although this was accidental, it was the result of a series of irresponsible behaviors, said Murphy in a statement.
At around 1:17 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20, Saratoga Springs police reported to the Saratoga National Bank on 91 West Ave. for reports of a bank robbery, according to police reports. An officer arrived in the area of the bank within three minutes and observed the suspect running from the rear of the bank, where the suspect was apprehended within 50 yards of the rear door of the bank, according to police reports.
Justin Dingman, 26, of Porter Corners, allegedly entered the bank and handed a note to one of the tellers, demanding cash and claiming to have a weapon. Dingman then fled the bank with an undetermined amount of cash before being caught a short distance away, and no weapon was recovered or displayed, according to police reports.
Dingman was charged with robbery in the first degree, a violent felony charge that carries a maximum sentence of eight and one third to 25 years in prison, according to Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy.
Murphy recommended bail be set in the amount of $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond at his arraignment in Saratoga Springs City Court Tuesday afternoon, according to information from Murphy’s office.
`This matter will be transferred from city court to the Saratoga County Grand Jury in Ballston Spa. We will seek an indictment for robbery in the first degree. I am thankful the teller is physically unharmed. I have spoken to Saratoga National Bank President and CEO Raymond O’Connor and briefed him on the details of the case from the prosecution’s perspective. At the conclusion of the police investigation the grand jury may wish to add additional charges,` said Murphy in a statement. `All of the money was immediately recovered thankfully what began as a very dangerous situation ended without injury.`
The matter has been scheduled for a return date in Saratoga Springs City Court for assignment of counsel on Thursday, July 22.
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