David Collins of Oakley could have faced prison time if found guilty of aggravated battery in the March 5, 2013, shooting of David Bowles. The Salina Journal reports Chief Judge Glenn Schiffner’s ruling Thursday caused the case to be dropped.

Bowles was a former employee of the Collins farm and ranch and had been told to stay off the Collins property. Court documents show Bowles went to the home David Collins’ father, where David Collins confronted him.

Collins says he pulled his gun and it went off during a scuffle. Bowles survived but lost sight in his left eye.