HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN) — A Houston County mayor’s assault charges have been dismissed by a Houston County court, after being charged with allegedly shooting at another person with a shotgun.

James Earl Coachman, who is the mayor of Cottonwood was facing a second-degree assault charge after an indictment says Coachman shot at someone with a shotgun and caused harm to them.

Earlier this year, Coachman pleaded not guilty to the crime.

Tuesday a court decided that Coachman’s actions were justified and was granted immunity from criminal prosecution and criminal charges in this case.

The court also decided based on the evidence the defense was able to provide in the case, that the case would be dismissed.