Stockton police were on Wednesday able to arrest Michael Hayes, the main suspect in the shooting of Bobby Gayle on October 8. Confirming the news of the arrest Stockton police chief Eric Jones said, “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.”
Attorney Tori Verber Salazar has confirmed that a hate crime charge will be added to what Hayes already faces. The 31-year old Hayes was booked on attempted homicide and assault with a deadly weapon. According to the attorney the hate crime charge adds three more years to what the suspect can face.
Bobby Gayle was shot seven times on October 8 and is today recovering in hospital. According to his brother Marlon Gayle, the incident happened after Bobby tried to advise Hayes who was driving at high speed towards the parking lot to slow down. Instead of heading to the advice Hayes stopped his pickup truck, called Bobby the “N word” and started shooting.
Although no major organs of Bobby were hit, his brother confirms that he has a long road to recovery. Marlon noted, “He does have a bullet that’s in his head that is going to stay there because they can’t remove it because it will do more damage.” Bobby was hit on the throat, shoulder, upper arm and two times in the face.