A suspect in a Fourth of July shooting in Tuscola County has pleaded not guilty.

21-year-old Trevor Payne of Bay City was visiting friends in the 4800 block of Brown Rd. in Vassar Township Thursday, July 4 when he witnessed what his attorney says was a domestic assault by a 38-year-old man on his wife. Police were called around 11:30 p.m. about the alleged assault. Prosecutor’s say Payne went to his vehicle, got a 20-gauge shotgun pistol and shot the man in the head. Payne called 911 after the shooting to report it while police were on their way to the residence. Payne was arrested and charged on eight counts, including assault with intent to murder.

Payne’s attorney says he was acting in defense of another person’s life. The victim was taken to a local hospital where he remains stable.

A probable cause hearing will be held July 17.