Mr. Ehlinger who lives just east of the school, at 265 Village Lane, is facing a misdemeanor weapons charge after allegedly firing a .22 caliber rifle at the school.
Southold Police officers escorted Mr. Ehlinger into Town Justice court about 4 p.m Friday. He was dressed in a white jumpsuit and appeared to be handcuffed. His parents sat in the front row looking pensive, as did a small group of other supporters.
According to his court-appointed attorney, Peter Danowski, Mr. Ehlinger lives with his parents at the Village Lane house and is unemployed. He was formerly a Manhattan bartender before moving back with his parents six months ago. He is single and has no children.
Mr. Danowski said his client accidentally discharged the rifle while cleaning it.
Prosecutors said evidence collected at the scene - including fragments and shell casings found at the home - is still being processed at the crime lab, and that it's not clear yet whether this was indeed an accident.
He pleaded not guilty and Judge Rudolph Bruer set bail at $300,000 collateral or $100,000 cash. Explaining the apparent high bail amount, the judge said, "The allegations are serious enough. The public should be protected."
The case will eventually go before a grand jury, at which point Mr. Ehlinger may be facing felony charges of attempted assault and "quite possibly attempted murder," according to the prosecuting attorney.
Mr. Ehlinger is slated to return to Justice Court at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday.
The victim, Amanda Olsen, suffered only minor injuries when bullet fragments entered her first-floor classroom Thursday afternoon. She was back at school Friday and was "doing fine," her mother said.
eschultz@timesreview.com