A Cortez man accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is set to appear in court April 24.
Kevin Armstrong, 48, is charged with a third-degree felony that, if he’s convicted, is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The charge stems from June 2024, when sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call about a shooting at the intersection of 119th Street West and 45th Avenue West.
When deputies arrived, they found Caitlin Lipke, 33, of Cortez, shot in the chest. She was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital for treatment.
According to MCSO reports, the incident began earlier when Armstrong allegedly assaulted Lipke, his girlfriend, at his home in the 3900 block of 116th Street West. Lipke went to a local restaurant, where she met with friends Dylan Taylor of Cortez and Cole Banyas of Bradenton Beach. The trio then returned to Armstrong’s home to retrieve Lipke’s belongings.
Upon arrival, they were confronted by Armstrong, his son and three of his son’s friends, who, according to reports, were armed with weapons. An argument broke out, shots were fired and Lipke was shot in the chest. Taylor and Banyas took her to the intersection of 119th Street West and 45th Avenue West, where they were met by first responders.
Armstrong was arrested and pleaded not guilty. He was released on a $7,500 bond under pretrial supervision.
A case management will be at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, April 24 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.