The trial of a Bradenton man accused of dragging a Cortez man with his vehicle and causing grave injuries — set for late May — was continued.
Defense and state attorneys agreed May 25 to a continuance for the scheduled start date for the trial of David Lynn Nichols.
Nichols, 60, of Bradenton, was arrested Nov. 18, 2019. He’s accused of hitting Fred Gilliland of Cortez with his vehicle and dragging him under the vehicle for nearly a block near 101st Street West.
Nichols faces charges of aggravated battery with great bodily harm and leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury.
Gilliland, who worked at Cortez Seafood Market and is known to villagers, sustained life-threatening injuries in the incident, including a lacerated liver, rib fractures, a collapsed lung, the amputation of his right arm and severe facial lacerations.
If convicted, Nichols could face a maximum penalty of up to 15 years.
He awaits a new date for trial, which will take place at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
— Robert Anderson