NORFOLK, Va. - A man accused of shooting another man inside a Norfolk McDonald's on June 28 has been granted bond.
Stephan Hayes
Stephan Hayes was arrested on June 28th after police say he shot another man inside of the McDonald's on Princess Anne Road near Park Avenue. On Thursday morning he appeared in Norfolk Court for his bond hearing.
During the hearing, Hayes' attorney argued that the shooting was in self defense. Hayes claims he was inside the McDonald's when a 38-year-old man, who Hayes is acquainted with, approached with a bag. Inside the bag was a long crowbar. According to Hayes' attorney, he shot the man when he did not stop approaching him. Hayes has a permit to carry a firearm.
The Commonwealth Attorney's Office says there is video of the incident from inside McDonald's. They say Hayes appears to be the aggressor in the video. Although the incident was only between Hayes and the victim, the Commonwealth argued that Hayes' actions put many people at risk.
The judge decided to grant Hayes a $15,000 bond and also ordered that he follow a list of conditions while out of jail. Those conditions including following a curfew, not holding any weapons and remaining employed.
Hayes is a convicted felon, but according to his attorney, none of his previous violations were violent. His rights were also restored, something the judge said she held in high regard when deciding whether or not to grant Hayes bond.
The victim was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for a non-life threatening injury after the shooting. According to the Commonwealth, he is a homeless man. His exact whereabouts are not known.
Hayes was charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. His next court date is scheduled for August 22nd.
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