NATCHEZ — A Natchez man who was arrested in Tennessee in connection with an Oct. 1 shooting received a $3.5 million bond Wednesday morning.

Municipal Court Judge Lisa Dale set a $3.5 million bond for Harry Smith Jr., 19, who is charged with one count of murder and five counts of aggravated assault.

Smith, 405 Watts Ave., was arrested on Oct. 16 in Cleveland, Tenn., by U.S. Marshals and was transported to Natchez on Oct. 31, Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong said.

Armstrong said judges take into account many factors when setting bonds, including the severity of the crime and the risk of the individual leaving the community.

While a bond is not meant to be used as punishment, Armstrong said Smith has already reportedly fled in an attempt to avoid capture and is dangerous and reckless.

“Even though the bond is high, I have never known anyone to die of a high bond,” Armstrong said. “People certainly die of shots being fired in populated areas as these guys (allegedly) did.”

A total of seven suspects have had their cases bound over to the grand jury.

One man, Richard Frazier, was shot and killed in a vehicle on West Stiers Lane during the early morning hours of Oct. 1.

Several shootings were reported that morning in Natchez — Old Washington Road, St. Catherine Street, Jefferson Street and West Stiers Lane. Police believe the shootings are connected.