Lawyer of Man in Rampage Says Aid Was Cut in Error

An injured worker who went on a shooting rampage at a state office building after his workers’ compensation benefits were halted has learned that the state erred in cutting off his benefits, his lawyer said.

Michael Cherry said the State Industrial Insurance System has admitted its mistake in suspending the $1,400 in monthly benefits it had sent to Jim Forrester.

Forrester, 57, drove his car through the agency’s building July 8, shooting up the place. The rampage ended when a security guard shot him in the forehead. Forrester, who recovered from the wound, is awaiting trial on five felony charges.

The reinstatement of benefits is expected to be an issue in his defense against the charges. “Had they not terminated his benefits, I doubt that (the rampage) would have happened,” Cherry said.

Forrester, a former electrician, injured his back while working in 1987. The agency suspended his benefits in July based on reports from two doctors who said he failed to show up for appointments for back examinations. Forrester denied the claim.