GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A former police officer appeared in court on Thursday afternoon after being charged in a shooting.
Hayden Isaiah Hughes, 31, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury, after Avery Long was shot during an arrest.
On Dec. 23, 2025, just after 10 p.m., Greensboro police officers responded to Van Allen Circle after getting a report of a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Long, who neighbors told FOX8 lives in the neighborhood, reportedly refused to comply with police commands and a “struggle ensued.” Long was shot in the struggle and taken to the hospital.
Police say that they have been investigating the shooting since December, and Hayden Hughes, 31, was put on administrative duty until he was terminated last month…