Hearing delayed on alleged robbery at The Exchange apartments

A preliminary hearing for three Lawrence men accused in a September robbery was delayed Thursday as attorneys wait for more information about two Lawrence teens who have also been charged in juvenile court.

Kathleen Britton, an assistant Douglas County district attorney, told District Judge Peggy Kittel the two sides agreed to the delay.

Each of three men, Joshua S. Self, 18, Christopher D. Self, 19, and Douglas A. Bittinger, 19, all of Lawrence, faces two aggravated robbery charges, two aggravated battery charges and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Prosecutors accuse the men of using a gun to rob two 20-year-old Lawrence men on Sept. 6 at an apartment at The Exchange, 3100 Ousdahl Road. One victim was knocked unconscious and needed staples to repair a head wound.

Two Lawrence boys, ages 16 and 17, also face the same counts in juvenile court.

Britton told Kittel that attorneys were waiting on more information including police reports after recent interviews with the juveniles. She also said it could affect any possible plea offers in the case made before a preliminary hearing.

Sarah Swain, Bittinger’s attorney, said the defense also wanted to wait to see if the juveniles could be tried as adults. The adult defendants are next due in court Nov. 30.