TOWSON, Md. — A Maryland high school sophomore accused of shooting a disabled classmate on the first day of the school year is due in court.

Attorneys for 15-year-old Robert Gladden are scheduled to argue Wednesday that his case should be transferred to juvenile court. Gladden has been charged as an adult with nine counts of attempted first-degree murder.

The shooting occurred Aug. 27 at Perry Hall High School in Baltimore County. Prosecutors say Gladden fired a shotgun at random at a lunch table where several students were sitting. Seventeen-year-old Daniel Borowy was wounded. Borowy has Down syndrome. A guidance counselor and other school employees rushed the teen and wrestled the gun away.

Gladden’s attorney has said the charges are excessive and that the teen did not intend to shoot anyone.

Follow WNEW on Twitter.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)