BREMEN, Ala. – A Bremen man has been behind bars since an alleged shooting Friday night, Jan. 24, that sent one person to an area hospital with gunshot wounds. On Thursday, Feb. 6, a local judge issued a “no bond” ruling, meaning he will stay in jail until at least his next hearing or his trial.
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, Jan. 25, said Richard Anthony Vitkauskas, 52, was located in Winston County and placed under arrest.
Vitkauskas was transported to the Cullman County Detention Center and originally charged with aggravated assault; however, after conferring with Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker, authorities said, Vitkauskas was charged with first-degree domestic violence/first-degree assault, which is an Aniah’s Law offense.
Under Aniah’s Law, judges can deny bond to those who are charged with committing violent crimes. Vitkauskas was held without bond until an Aniah’s Law hearing could be held. On Thursday, Feb. 6, Crocker went to court to argue in favor of the no bond decision and received the “no bond” ruling.
According to court documents, Vitkauskas’ charges are now first-degree domestic violence/assault and attempted murder.
Crocker said the testimony was that Vitkauskas shot the female victim nine times, broke her phone and fled the scene, which was the victim’s home.
“After hearing the evidence, Judge Wells R. Turner ordered the defendant will be held without bond in this case,” Crocker said.
At the time of Vitkauskas’ arrest, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry said the safety and security of Cullman County residents will continue to be CCSO’s top priority.
“I would like to thank our deputies and investigators for their hard work and diligence,” he said. “I would also like to thank the Winston County Sheriff’s Office and Walker County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in bringing this incident to a close.”
