Wednesday, August 29, 2012

A man accused of firing a gun shot at store security guard has waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Jake Jacobs is charged with four counts of aggravated assault in connection to a disturbance at Burlington Coat Factory Aug. 13. Police said he fired a shot at a loss-prevention employee after being questioned over shoplifting a can of soda.

No one was injured in the disturbance, but Jacob's attorney claims injuries suffered by his client when he was arrested need immediate medical attention.

"As long as he's in custody, obviously that's going to be medical treatment the county will be paying for," said Mark Schoenhofer. "If he's permitted to be released with lower bond, he can seek out the medical treatment on his own."

But Assistant Sedgwick County DA Angela Wilson disagreed.

"We believe the bond amount is set at an appropriate amount and the reason, in part, for that is due to community safety," Wilson said.

Jacobs was arrested and held in the Sedgwick County Detention Center on $100,000 bond.

Judge Ben Burgess granted the request, lowering Jacob’s bond to $50,000. The defense had asked that the bond be reduced to $10,000.

"The evaluation, in part, supports the view that Mr. Jacobs may possibly continue to be a threat to the community," Burgess said. "On the other hand, the purpose of bond is to assure his appearance. He is, at this point, clothed with the presumption of innocence."

After Burgess granted the bond reduction, Jacobs waived his right to a preliminary hearing. a trial date has not yet been scheduled.