Shooting Spree Kills 4 in Cars; 5 Others Injured

A bike shop operator whose family had been advised about involuntary commitment was charged with murder Monday after a shooting rampage in his neighborhood left four people dead and five others wounded, authorities said.

The shooting Sunday night ended when deputies returned the man’s fire and wounded him, Forsyth County Sheriff Preston Oldham said. The man was in critical condition but expected to survive, he said.

“As to motive, at this time we have no idea,” Oldham said. “No one can answer that other than the suspect.”

Two first-degree murder warrants were issued for Michael Charles Hayes, 24, of Clemmons, and other charges may follow, the sheriff said.

An officer at the scene Monday, who would not give his name, said the man had been taking “pot luck,” shooting into passing cars.

Three people were found dead in their cars near Hayes’ moped shop and a fourth victim died in a hospital. Two of the motorists who were wounded managed to get out of the neighborhood, Oldham said.

Police were notified at 11:32 p.m. Sunday, and Oldham said two patrol cars were hit by bullets on arrival at the shop. Deputies returned the fire, he said, but were not injured.

Oldham said the shooting went on for about 12 minutes. He said all the wounds were caused by small-caliber rounds, but would not comment further on the weapon or weapons used.

A day earlier, deputies answering a disturbance call had advised Hayes’ family on procedures for involuntary commitment to a mental institution, Oldham said.