Attorney: Client concerned for victim

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) - An attorney for an Orange Beach man charged with attempted murder is talking to FOX10 News.

Steve Pinson appeared before a judge Friday where his bond was set at half a million dollars.

Steve Salter, Pinson’s attorney said it was a shock to his client’s friends and family.

Salter met with Pinson Friday for the first time in the Baldwin County Jail.

"(Pinson is) remorseful and obviously concerned about all of this and for the recovery of the victim," said Salter.

Police said Damon Hembree was vacationing with his family from McCalla, Alabama.

According to police, Hembree and Pinson were arguing as they drove down Perdido Beach Boulevard. When they hit Highway 161, police said Hembree walked up to Pinson’s truck, at that point witnesses report Pinson shooting Hembree in the chest.

"I wasn't there. I don't know what was going on inside of his head or the other individual's mind or heart," said Salter.

Salter said this was a surprise to Pinson’s many friends and family.

"He has a lot of family and friends that support him and say this is very out of character for him in their minds," said Salter.

Originally from Prattville, Alabama, Pinson has been vacationing in the Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach area for more than 30 years. He has been in the process of moving to Ono Island for the past two years.

Pinson is a retired lieutenant for the Alabama Game and Fish Division and owns a company called Rogue Marine.

He has one daughter.

Friday District Judge Michelle Thomason told Pinson he is a threat to the community.

"Mr. Pinson, based on the circumstances of the case, I believe that there is a risk in you having a lower bond. I believe that you are a danger to this community," she said at his bond hearing.

Thomason set Pinson’s bond at $500,000, but has Salter filed a motion to reduce the bond to $100,000.

The conditions of his current bond are if he gets out, he must wear an electronic monitoring device, cannot carry a firearm nor can he contact the victim or victim’s family.

Hembree is still in serious condition at Baptist Hospital.