Prosecutor upgrades charge against Zimmerman's shooter

A man accused of shooting at George Zimmerman now faces an attempted murder charge.

A prosecutor today upgraded the charges against Matthew Apperson to attempted second-degree murder. Apperson earlier had been charged with aggravated assault and battery for firing a gun into Zimmerman's car during a traffic run-in last month. Zimmerman had minor injuries.

State Attorney Phil Archer said in a statement that people ought to be able to travel the streets without fear.

Prosecutors contend Apperson had a fixation on Zimmerman.

A jury acquitted Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin two years ago. The case sparked protests and a national debate about race relations.
 

Apperson's attorney, Michael LaFay, said he couldn't comment since he hadn't yet received a copy of the new charge.