LEWISTON — An Auburn man made his first court appearance Friday in connection with a hit-and-run accident that prosecutors believe was intentional and connected to a fatal accident four years ago in Lewiston.

William Panzino, 21, appeared in 8th District Court dressed in a bright orange jail suit but didn’t enter a plea to the two felony charges against him.

Police charged Panzino with aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon and and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon. The charges are expected to be referred to an Androscoggin County grand jury. If so, Panzino would enter pleas later in Androscoggin County Superior Court in Auburn.

Panzino said he would seek a court-appointed attorney. His bail was reduced Friday from $15,000 to $800 in cash, and he was released on bail at 4:30 p.m. He was ordered to have no contact with Kyle Karkos, the man he allegedly ran down Wednesday night at the carnival at Great Falls Plaza. He also was prohibited from entering Karkos’ home, workplace or school.

Assistant District Attorney Andrew Metulis said: “What’s alleged is that the defendant purposely struck Kyle Karkos with his vehicle as part of a revenge attack for a 2006 driving fatality Mr. Karkos was involved in.”

Panzino said: “That is not true at all.”

Judge Rick Lawrence told Panzino he would have his day in court to give his side of the story.

“Oh, I hope I do,” Panzino said.

Panzino’s family sat in the courtroom during his appearance.

Police said Panzino was driving a 1995 Nissan Sentra when he struck Karkos, 21, of Lewiston shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Karkos was walking across the street that cuts through Great Falls Plaza after exchanging words with someone riding in Panzino’s car. Police said Karkos had been involved in a fight earlier in the evening with one of Panzino’s friends.

Karkos was knocked to the ground and taken to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston where he was treated for cuts and bruises and released.