Matthew Apperson, the man who shot at George Zimmerman's vehicle while they were driving down a road last month, faces a more serious charge. Prosecutors on Thursday elevated the charge against the 36-year old to attempted second-degree murder, an upgrade from the initial charge of aggravated assault.
The incident happened last month on a busy road in an Orlando, Fla., suburb, when Zimmerman and Apperson had a brief traffic run-in. Zimmerman ended up with minor injuries because of the incident, reports Times Daily.
"Our law enforcement community and the State Attorney's Office works vigorously to ensure people may travel our busy streets, going about their business, without fear," said State Attorney Phil Archer, who upgraded the charge. "Every resident and visitor to Seminole County deserves this freedom."
Michael LaFay, Apperson's attorney, said that despite the elevation of the charge, the facts of the case remain unchanged, according to MSN News.
"Am I surprised when prosecutors overreach with the heaviest charge they can possibly level? It's like a normal day at the office," he said. "At some point, it's like the old saying about bringing coal to Newcastle. What's the difference?"
Apperson plans to enter a not guilty plea when an arraignment hearing gets set next week, according to MSN News. He is currently out on a $35,000 bond.
Don West, Zimmerman's attorney, says that the upgrading of the charge has not yet been relayed to his client.
