Charges filed against Baldwin City man in connection with weekend shooting

A Baldwin City man faces an aggravated battery charge related to a shooting early Saturday morning that injured his 32-year-old neighbor.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office filed the felony charge Monday morning against Brian L. Pitts, 35.

During Pitts’ first appearance in court Monday, District Judge Robert Fairchild agreed to lower Pitts’ bond to $75,000 from $500,000. But Fairchild said Pitts could not have contact with the victim, Daniel T. Sumner.

Pitts told Fairchild that he was not a flight risk and he wanted to be able to financially assist his wife and children.

Police allege that about 5 a.m. Saturday, Pitts shot Sumner in the head while inside Sumner’s home. Mike McKenna, Baldwin City’s police chief, told reporters this weekend that Sumner was struck in the head by a bullet that grazed him and tore back his scalp.

McKenna said Sumner was in stable condition when he was taken to a Kansas City-area hospital. Fairchild appointed defense attorney James George to defend Pitts.

His next court appearance will be at 2 p.m. Thursday with District Judge Paula Martin.