Charges dropped against suspect in home invasion in Connellsville

Charges were dropped Thursday against one of two men alleged to have been involved in a home invasion in Connellsville in October.

The charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and terroristic threats were dismissed against Brandon Zinsky, 38, of Dunbar after a witness for the commonwealth could not recall if his written statement was accurate.

The home invasion occurred along Poplar Street at 8:15 p.m. Oct. 23. Police originally reported that Zinsky and Michael Quinlan, 56, of Dunbar, forced their way into a residence threatening to kill Robert Forsythe with a knife.

Forsythe, the first and only witness called to testify for the commonwealth, said he was heading out of the house to the car when Quinlan held the knife to him and entered the residence.

Forsythe, however, testified Thursday that Zinsky was on the porch during the entire incident, didn't make threats or speak to Forsythe or point a weapon at him, to the best of his knowledge.

Fayette County Assistant District Attorney Meghann Mikluscak presented a written statement that Forsythe gave to police and added that the written statement he gave was more descriptive than his testimony in court.

Forsythe said he couldn't recall if what he said in the statement really happened.

Mikluscak said in light of the testimony, the commonwealth moved to dismiss the charges against Zinsky.

District Judge Ronald Haggerty Jr. dismissed it.

The preliminary hearing for Quinlan was continued for a later date. Quinlan is free on $10,000 bond.

Mark Hofmann is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-626-3539 or mhofmann@tribweb.com.