According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, LCSO deputies responded to Hamilton Gardens Road in Boothbay Monday, May 1 for a report of a shooting. Jeff Hayward, 46, reported his neighbor, Thomas Proctor, age 66, had shot him in the leg following a dispute. A friend drove Hayward to Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta.

Tuesday’s press release states that upon arrival, deputies made contact with Proctor who claimed to have shot Hayward with a .45 cal. pistol by accident during an argument. He told deputies he was trying to shoot the floor and accidentally struck Hayward in the leg.

LCSO detectives processed the scene and two firearms were seized. Proctor was arrested for Reckless Conduct with a Firearm, a Class C felony, and transported to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset. He is being currently held in lieu of $5,000 cash bail pending a court appearance.

Hayward was transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where he has been admitted for treatment of his wound. His condition is non-life threatening.

This case is pending review by the District Attorney’s Office.