Augusta shooting suspect granted bond

A man accused of aggravated assault in a Broad Street shooting was granted a $25,000 bond Friday.

Carlos Valdez, 26, has been held in jail for over a year following the Feb. 17, 2019, shooting in which an innocent bystander was wounded. During Valdez’ Richmond County Superior Court bond hearing, Assistant District Attorney Mary Elizabeth Watkins said the victim, who has since recovered, was shot when Valdez and another unidentified man exchanged gunfire.

Defense attorney Jeffrey Johnston told Judge Ashley Wright that security cameras on Broad Street captured the shooting and it shows the unidentified man shot the victim and Valdez then fired. It is a clear case of self-defense and defense of others, Johnston said.

Wright granted bond on the conditions Valdez not possess any firearms not visit any bar or club.