Man accused of shooting Black father seven times in possible hate crime

Authorities in California have arrested a White man in connection with a shooting incident being investigated as a possible hate crime. According to FOX40, the suspected shooter has been identified as Michael Hayes, 31. The victim, Bobby Gayle, was shot seven times after the suspected shooter almost hit him and his friend with his vehicle.

The October 8 incident occurred while Bobby and his friend were making arrangements for work they had been contracted to do. The 45-year-old family man is a cement mason. And the victim’s brother, Marlon, said the White suspect almost hit Bobby and his friend while he was driving in the wrong direction.

“He was driving in the wrong direction. He almost hit my brother and his friend. And so my brother said, ‘Hey, slow down.’ And that’s when a guy got out the car, and he started saying the N-word and shooting my brother,” Marlon recalled what his brother told him. “And you know, we were just like, wow. He didn’t just … he was trying to kill my brother.”

In surveillance footage of the confrontation, Bobby was seen with his hands up before the shooter opened fire, KCRA reported. Marlon said his brother was struck twice in the face. Despite being hit seven times, Bobby was able to call Marlon as well as 911 for help.

“Marlon, I’ve been shot. Pray for me. I swear to God. Please. In the name of Jesus. Hallelujah,” Bobby reportedly said in a voicemail he sent to his brother.

The victim was transported to a hospital where he’s currently recuperating. Marlon also said the bullets didn’t hit any of Bobby’s major arteries. “We believe in love. We believe in forgiveness, but at the same time, white supremacy, hatred, bigotry, and all of that – we stand against that,” Marlon.

Hayes is currently being held at the San Joaquin County Jail, FOX40 reported. He faces a slew of charges including attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon and other weapon-related charges.

“I would like to thank the anonymous tipster and the hard work of our detectives for bringing a quick resolution to this case for the victim and his family. Gun violence is not tolerated in our community,” Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said in a statement.