Man accused of shooting neighbor formally charged

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Somerton man accused of shooting his neighbor three times during a verbal fight was formally charged with two counts of aggravated assault on Friday.

Originally, 50-year-old Sidney Lee was facing one count of second-degree murder.

But state prosecutors dropped that charge.

The Somerton Police Department said Lee shot the 29-year-old victim three times in the torso Tuesday afternoon on Spring Street and Congress Avenue.

The victim is still in critical condition.

Officers say Lee was arguing with the victim before he shot him.

Somerton's chief of police said first responders sprang into action.

“It's a negative call, but it is a very positive call because our response from the police and fire were very quick," said Araceli Juarez, Somerton Chief of Police.

Lee has a bond of $250,000.

No word as to why the state did not move forward with the attempted murder charge.

Lee is scheduled to be back in court on Friday, January 12.