Elderly Troy man accused of shooting neighbor behind bars

73-year-old David Keats is a good man, the defense argued Tuesday.  He has been married for 51 years, has four kids and is a volunteer at a Troy senior center.

"They know the defendant to be an instigator, an aggressive person in the neighborhood," a prosecutor countered.

There are allegations of aggression Friday night.  Keats is accused of shooting at his next door neighbor on Atlas Street in Troy.  Police have said the neighbor complained about Keats three dogs, who were barking.

The neighbor, investigators said, kicked Keats' fence.  Keats allegedly shot at the neighbor, hitting him in the face once.  He was released Friday on personal bond after being arraigned with a promise he would come back for his pre-exam trial.

The prosecution argued that Keats is a dangerous man and should be locked up until his next court date.

Keats attorney said his client is innocent until proven guilty and deserves a right to be free until trial.

"Mr. Keats was in his own yard confronted by a man who was much taller and much more intimidating, and I think that you're going to be able to see that at the preliminary examination," said Paul Stablein.  "You're going to be able to assess for yourself really what was going on."

The neighbor who was shot didn't want to talk to Fox 2 on camera.

The prosecution made the argument that Keats is a danger to other people in the neighborhood and said they've had neighbors come forward saying just that.

"They should put his bond really high.  For something over kicking a fence for a dog, shouldn't have went that far," said Drane Dedvukaj.

The judge did reverse the magistrate's earlier decision.  Bond is now set at $750,000.  Keats is not a free man, although his attorney hopes that will change.  It's a hefty cost if Keats does bond out.   He would have to stay in Oakland County at least two miles away from the crime scene on Atlas.