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Suspect shot by Lexington police arraigned at hospital

E-mail|Link May 19, 2009 04:59 PM

By Brian R. Ballou, Globe Staff

A Newton man who allegedly led authorities on a high-speed chase after they showed up to question him about a series of recent bank robberies was arraigned today in his hospital room, where he is recovering from a bullet wound inflicted by police at the end of the chase Monday in Lexington.

Adam Hayes, 18, was charged with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and single counts of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop, and speeding. Concord District Court Judge Margaret Zaleski, along with her staff of court officers, a clerk, and other employees packed into the small room at Lahey Clinic in Burlington for the arraignment.

Hayes, lying in bed, remained subdued throughout the 15-minute proceeding. He did not speak.
Prosecutor Kristin Michaud described a standoff between a number of Lexington police officers and Hayes, saying he refused to drop what appeared to be a handgun before he was shot.

Defense attorney Mark Gillis said the weapon that Hayes brandished in the incident was a BB gun.

Lexington Police Chief Mark J. Corr said Monday that members of the state Bank Robbery Task Force attempted to question Hayes in Newton, but he fled onto Route 9 heading west, went north on Interstate 95, and then into Lexington. Lexington police spotted him and chased him onto Reed Street, a residential area.

Two Lexington officers fired after ordering Hayes multiple times to drop his weapon, police said. Corr wouldn't say how many shots were fired, but at least seven bullet casings could be seen on the ground at the scene Monday evening. Police said Hayes's wounds were superficial.

Hayes is being held without bail and is expected to undergo a dangerousness hearing Wednesday.