Local

Video captures man being hit by car outside video store

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Channel 9 obtained surveillance video Tuesday night that shows a car plowing into a man outside a Gaston County video store and driving off.

A judge lowered bond for Robert Bland, who faces attempted first-degree murder for the alleged assault.

Michael Bartz was still limping when he took me behind Laura's Adult Video Store near Crowders Mountain.

"He hit me right about here," Bartz said.

He said he'll never forget where Bland ran over him with a truck.

In security camera video, you can see Bartz tossed onto the hood.

"I have a total of 20 cameras," he said.

He said the cameras captured Bland before the crash staggering around the parking lot and even walking in front of a car as a driver tried to leave.

Bartz said he was worried Bland was impaired and would hurt someone if he got behind the wheel.

"I said he couldn't leave, (that) he needed to wait for police, and he proceeded to tell me 'I'll run you over' and he did. He ran me over," Bartz said.

Police later stopped Bland in Shelby and arrested him for DWI.

Bartz told the judge what happened during Bland's first appearance on a charge of attempted murder. Bland's attorney said the video doesn't show an intent to kill.

He argued the $750,000 bond was excessive.

"He desperately wants to get out so that he can earn a living, keep his job," said defense attorney David Teddy.

Channel 9 checked and learned Bland has been convicted seven times, once for DWI, but all are misdemeanor convictions.

The judge decided Bland is not a flight risk and lowered his bond to $25,000. Bland is due back in court on Feb. 10.