Saying he didn’t understand the charges against him, a Topeka man accused of shooting three people outside a former Lawrence nightclub made an appearance Monday afternoon in Douglas County District Court.

“I don’t understand them, but I have an attorney that I will get a chance to discuss these with,” Carlos Jerome Jackson, 26, said as he appeared via closed-circuit television from the Douglas County Jail.

About 3 a.m. Feb. 10, prosecutors allege, Jackson shot three people outside the Last Call nightclub, 729 N.H. The victims of the shooting were two Last Call employees and a 15-year-old boy who had been a patron of the club. Club owner Dennis Steffes has since closed the club.

Authorities arrested Jackson five days later at the home of relatives in Kentucky, and last weekend he was returned to Douglas County.

Two Topeka women, Sherise Spears, 20, and Sonda M. Washington, 33, are charged with helping Jackson. Both of the women, who have posted bond, will have preliminary hearings on March 13.

During Jackson’s court appearance Monday, Assistant Douglas County District Attorney Brenda Clary said Jackson faces three felony charges of aggravated battery, which carry a penalty of up to 172 months in prison.

After Judge Pro Tem Peggy C. Kittel advised Jackson of the possible penalties for conviction, he said he intended to retain a defense attorney from Sedgwick County.

Jackson did not ask Kittel to reduce his $450,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday with his attorney in front of District Judge Paula Martin.