GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A Las Vegas-based FBI special agent, in town on an undisclosed investigation, felt intense paranoia before he drew a gun at a fitness center then shot at a responding Grand Rapids police sergeant, his attorney said.

The agent, Ruben Hernandez, 35, has only a "vague, hazy" recollection of the possibly alcohol-fueled events early Tuesday, Dec. 6, attorney Larry Willey said.

Willey spoke Wednesday after his client, a married father of two, was arraigned in Grand Rapids District Court on charges of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm, a 10-year felony, and assault with a dangerous weapon, a four-year felony.

He also faces a 90-day misdemeanor for brandishing a firearm.

Police say Hernandez brandished a firearm at Planet Fitness, 3681 28th St. SE, before he fired three shots outside at Sgt. Neil Gomez, who was responding to a call there.

The shots missed Gomez. Police then arrested Hernandez at gunpoint.

His attorney said the allegations - "atypical," he said - shocked Hernandez's family and friends, including his FBI colleagues. Willey just met his client but said after hearing from those who know him best, he found that "he's a really good guy."

Alcohol "may have played a role in the series of events" but Willey said his client has not previously suffered from alcohol or substance abuse.

"This is an episodic thing (with alcohol) rather than a regular problem," Willey said.

He said his client has no known mental-health issues. Willey expected to investigate that possibility as he would for any client facing such serious allegations.

For whatever reason, Hernandez felt paranoid before the shooting. He thought people were going after him.

"I'm not saying that in fact happened. That's what he believed," Willey said.

Hernandez cannot believe that he would fire at another lawman. None of it makes sense, Willey said.

"He's feeling horrible. He can't believe it happened. He's feeling like you would think he would feel like," the attorney said.

Hernandez flew into Grand Rapids on Monday, Dec. 5, and was to leave Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Hernandez, an eight-year FBI special agent, said little during the brief hearing before Judge Michael Distel.

A Court Services worker recommended against letting Hernandez out on a personal-recognizance bond based on the seriousness of the allegations and his lack of ties to the area.

The judge said Hernandez could be released from jail by posting 10 percent of a $70,000 bond.

"One of the court's primary concerns here (is) obviously, community safety. I mean, these are pretty serious charges," Distel said.

As part of his bond conditions, Hernandez cannot possess a firearm or use alcohol.