Man Accused of Shooting Pickup at Jonesboro Walmart; Bond Set at $50,000

JONESBORO, Ark. — A man accused of firing from inside his car and repeatedly striking a pickup in a Jonesboro Walmart parking lot faces a felony criminal mischief allegation and four misdemeanor allegations, according to court documents released Friday.

Hayden Paul Freeman appeared in court Oct. 16 in connection with the Oct. 14 incident. His bond was set at $50,000, with an ankle monitor required under the release order.

The incident was first reported by NEA Report. Jonesboro police previously confirmed that no injuries were reported in the shooting at the Walmart on Highland Drive.

Affidavit Details Gunfire and Arrest

According to a probable cause affidavit signed by Detective Adam Hampton, Jonesboro police received multiple calls Oct. 14 reporting someone actively shooting in the parking lot. Officers arrived and found Freeman sitting in the car described to them.

Police ordered Freeman out of the car. The affidavit says he got out and began walking toward officers before turning back toward the vehicle. After further commands, he turned toward officers again and started to get on the ground but stood back up, according to the affidavit.

Officers took Freeman to the ground and handcuffed him after he continued not to comply, Hampton wrote.

Witnesses told police Freeman had been walking around his car and acting erratically before trying to enter a white pickup parked beside him. When he could not get inside, he returned to his car and began shooting, according to the affidavit.

The gunfire flattened two tires on the pickup and struck it multiple times through a fender well and into the truck bed, also striking a wheel and tire on the opposite side, the affidavit says.

Detectives reviewed video that Hampton said confirmed the witnesses’ accounts of Freeman firing from inside the car and pulling on the pickup’s door and door handles. Investigators found a pistol and 13 or 14 spent shell casings in the car, according to the affidavit.

After his arrest, Freeman was taken to jail and then to St. Bernards for medical treatment, according to the affidavit. He was returned to jail after being released from the hospital. The affidavit also says he was placed on a mental health hold after officers reported signs of mental distress.

Allegations and Next Court Date

First-appearance paperwork lists first-degree criminal mischief involving property damage of more than $1,000 but no more than $5,000, a Class D felony. It also lists misdemeanor allegations of discharging firearms within city limits, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and carrying a weapon.

The court found probable cause for Freeman’s detention pending further proceedings. His next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23 at the Craighead County Courthouse.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.