Springfield, Oregon

From Springfield’s KMTR.com of September 19, 2007

Sprinfield [sic] man shot by motel owner

A Springfield man was in serious condition Wednesday morning after a Tuesday afternoon shooting at a motel near 12th and Main Streets in Springfield.

Police say Columbus Hayles was shot when a fight with the motel owner got out of hand.

Hayles' wife, Sherry, said they were at the motel to pay for a truck they were buying from a tenant there.

Witnesses say the motel owner, Edward Yu and his wife told them to leave. Apparently, when the Hayles couple refused, the fight began. Police say surveillance video shows Columbus Hayles attacking Yu's wife. They say the owner then shot Hayles, with a 38-caliber pistol.

Investigators call the shooting justified, saying the motel owners were within their rights to protect themselves and their property.