Bail was set at $500,000 Thursday for a man shot six times by Freeport police.

Franz Byer, an alleged gang member, remains in the hospital after being shot on Leonard Avenue in July. The officers involved said they were chasing Byer when he turned and pointed a gun at them.

Byer's mother claims the prosecution is trying to cast a negative light on her son.

"They want to discredit my son," Sandra Byer said. "My son is in no gang."

Byer's attorney said his client did not have a gun at the time of the incident, but police have maintained a weapon shattered by police bullets was recovered. Witnesses reported seeing Byer holding a whiskey bottle.

Prosecutors supported their bail argument with allegations Byer participated in a robbery and assault at a Freeport convenience store in 2006.

The timing of the allegations didn't sit right with Byer's attorney.

"When was the first time they knew it? Why wasn't there an arrest warrant?" attorney Fredrick Brewington said. "We have a problem here and the problem here smells real bad."

The office of Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice had no comment on the bail hearing or potential new charges.