ORLANDO, Fla. — A judge ruled that a man shot by Orlando police after they said he carjacked someone can bond out of jail.
“I’m grateful that the judge was merciful and compassionate,” said Steffan Haskins’ mother, Kristen Haskins.
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Steffan Haskins, an Army veteran who was being treated for PTSD, was being held on no bond at the Orange County Jail. On Wednesday, his defense successfully argued he needed to be in treatment and not in jail.
First he’ll first go to the VA, then likely a secure treatment facility in south Florida for more treatment.
READ: Mother of man shot by Orlando police says he’s an army veteran being treated for PTSD
In December, Orlando police responded to the Vista Verde apartments in metro west after reports of a disturbance and shots fired.
Responding officers saw Haskins running with a gun and jumping into a car. Officers said he was carjacking a man, and officers opened fire when Haskins started to turn the gun toward them.
“It’s PTSD. He’s not a carjacker,” Haskins’ mother said.
READ: Army veteran shot by police during alleged carjacking denied bond
As part of his release, he will not be allowed back at his apartment complex or near the victim in this case.
His family said once he gets past this, Haskins wants to help other veterans who may be going through something like this.
READ: Police: Armed man shot by Orlando officers after attempted carjacking
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