Suspect in fatal road rage 'glad to be out' of jail

After a court appearance Wednesday morning, the Queens College student accused in a deadly road rage in Long Beach said he was 'glad to be out' of jail while his criminal case proceeds.

Evan Potts, 22, of Oceanside, posted $500,000 bond Thursday and was released from jail, officials said. He was in Nassau County Court Wednesday morning for a routine conference on his case.

"All I have to say is I'm glad to be out to defend myself against these charges," Potts told a CBS Channel 2 reporter as he walked out of the courtroom.

Police said Potts and Ian Sharinn of Long Beach exchanged words as they drove in Long Beach earlier this month. After Sharinn got out of his car, Potts called 911 and tried to reverse his car to flee, police said. Potts then accelerated forward, running over Sharinn. He has pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter charges.

Potts's lawyer, Stanley Kopilow of Garden City, said he is investigating the incident and plans to mount a vigorous defense.

Potts is scheduled to appear next in Nassau County Court in Mineola on June 15, in front of Judge Philip Grella.