A non-fatal shooting incident unfolded yesterday in Newton, thrusting a quiet street corner into an abrupt spectacle of violence. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Acting Newton Chief of Police George McMains have confirmed that Scott Hayes, a 47-year-old Framingham resident, was involved in a scuffle at Harvard and Washington streets. The incident, which led to another man being shot, is now under a microscope as authorities piece together the violent exchange that disrupted the usual calm of the neighborhood.
The confrontation started around 6:40 p.m. when, according to a statement from the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Hayes was demonstrating with a group on one side of the street. Across the street, a 31-year-old Newton man, whose identity has not been released, began shouting at the demonstrators. A heated verbal exchange swiftly escalated when the Newton man crossed the street and tackled Hayes, culminating in Hayes allegedly shooting the man.
Responding officers provided medical aid at the scene, and the injured individual was taken to a local hospital. His injuries are serious, but he is now expected to pull through. Hayes, on the other hand, was arrested on the spot by the Newton Police Department. In response to this incident, Newton Police have applied for a criminal complaint for assault and battery against the Newton man involved, adhering to the legal procedure that such offenses not witnessed by law enforcement are addressed through a summons, as opposed to immediate arrest.
Further information provided by law enforcement particulars that Scott Hayes faced a judge this afternoon in Newton District Court on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Following his arraignment, "The Court set bail at $50,000/$5,000 cash" with specific instructions for Hayes to abide by a daily curfew and avoid any contact with the victim or entry into Newton city limits. Additionally, his license to carry has been suspended pending further investigation. Hayes is scheduled for another court appearance on November 7, 2024.
The investigation remains in active progression, with the police department, the District Attorney's Office, and Massachusetts State Police Detectives working in concert to gather evidence. Surveillance footage and witness accounts are being meticulously reviewed to ascertain the full scope of the incident. More details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues its course in the coming days and weeks.
