Westmoreland DA says no charges will be filed in June shooting of Daniel Chicka in Export

No criminal charges will be filed in connection with a June fatal shooting in Export after investigators ruled it self defense, Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli said in a statement.

Video evidence provided to investigators showed Daniel Chicka, 65, and Matthew Allen Miller, 32, were involved in an argument on Madison Avenue on June 18. Chicka was seen on the video pulling out a gun and pointing it at Miller before Miller fired several rounds from his own gun, according to the statement.

“I am profoundly sorry for Mr. Chicka’s family’s loss; however, I am committed to resolving cases based upon the facts and the law,” Ziccarelli said in the statement.

A family friend of Chicka did not return a message Thursday.

State police said the dispute between the two men was related to parking in the borough. Troopers investigated the shooting and their findings were reviewed by a team of prosecutors.

During their investigation, troopers said they found 20 marijuana plants and drug paraphernalia in Miller’s basement. He was arrested on drug offenses and has been held in the Westmoreland County Prison without bond since June 19, according to court records.

Last month, Miller filed a motion seeking to have a nominal bond set. A hearing on the matter is scheduled Jan. 17.

Members of Chicka’s family and friends attended Miller’s preliminary hearing on those charges in July. In interviews with the Trib, they described him as a gentle giant who was well-liked.

Chicka’s obituary said he worked as a carpenter. He is survived by a daughter, three brothers, a longtime girlfriend and other relatives.