Bond denied for man accused of attacking mother with chainsaw in Gentilly
By Raeven PooleAshley Hamilton,
2024-07-26
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — A three-hour-long court hearing concluded Friday with a judge revoking the bond of John Pittman.
The 34-year-old is accused of attacking his mother with a chainsaw, before injuring two New Orleans police officers who were attempting to arrest him, on July 22.
“We weren’t so concerned about the bond as making sure our client was healthy. So we expected the judge would set a no bond. It wasn’t our issue or our concern,” said Garron Johnson, Pittman’s attorney.
Prior to his arrest, Pittman had been out on bond following an arrest in August of 2023. He is accused of allegedly attacking an elderly man at union passenger station.
He was out on a $10,000 bond following the 2023 incident.
While on the stand, both of Pittman’s sisters expressed their fears for their family if he were to be released on bond again.
When asked if their mother felt the same way, they were unable to answer, with one sister acknowledging that their mother was not speaking to anyone about the ordeal.
“What we heard in court today is that the mom is more afraid of the police officers who continue to try to solicit some type of response or version of the story they want to hear. That the mother is mostly worried about being able to recuperate in peace,” said Johnson.
Pittman’s sister also testified that he hadn’t spoken to his mother in months and that her recollection of the situation is a blur.
“We also heard the mother can’t remember anything that happened, probably based upon the trauma that was induced by the accident,” said Johnson.
Meanwhile, Pittman’s attorney argued that if Pittman was on his medication, he would not be a danger to anyone.
“The family is concerned about Mr. Pittman, especially his mother and I think the mother just, she wants peace right now. Privacy, just to be able to heal from this unfortunate accident,” said Johnson.
At Friday’s hearing, the court denied him bond due to the facts presented as well as his previous and current arrests.
Pittman is being remanded until the court competency hearing is held. He’s due back in court on August 29.
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