Bail set in fatal shooting case over a parking space

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Florida judge on Tuesday kept bond at $100,000 for a man charged with manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a man who assaulted him outside a convenience store in a dispute over a parking space.

Judge Joseph Bulone in the Pinellas County court on Tuesday said that if Michael Drejka posts bail, he must surrender all of his guns to the sheriff, wear an ankle monitor and not leave the county. He said he didn’t have the money to hire a private attorney, which means a public defender will be appointed. Drejka appeared in court from the county jail via video.

Drejka, 48, was charged with manslaughter in the July 19 shooting of Markeis McGlockton, a 28-year-old black man, during a parking lot confrontation. That videotaped shooting revived debate over Florida’s “stand-your-ground” law.

McGlockton’s girlfriend, Britany Jacobs, was seated in the couple’s car July 19 with two of their children, ages 3 years and 4 months, when she said Drejka confronted her for being parked in a handicapped-accessible space. McGlockton had gone into the store with the couple’s 5-year-old son, also named Markeis.

Video showed McGlockton leaving the store and shoving Drejka to the ground. Seconds later, Drejka pulls a handgun and shoots McGlockton as he backs away. McGlockton then runs back into the store clutching his chest. Witnesses said he collapsed in front of young Markeis, who was waiting inside.

Pinellas County sheriff ’s Detective George Moffett cited three other drivers who said Drejka threatened them during confrontations.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri originally declined to charge Drejka, saying the man was protected by Florida’s stand-your-ground law.