LEWISTON — A transient accused of stabbing a Lewiston man in the abdomen near TD Bank at 10 Great Falls Plaza in Auburn appeared in court Wednesday.

Walter Hawkins Androscoggin County Jail

Walter Hawkins, 34, was seen in 8th District Court by videoconference from Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn, where a judge set his bail at $5,000 cash.

Hawkins faces a felony charge of aggravated assault, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

He also was charged with violation of condition of release, a misdemeanor.

Judge Katherine Tierney set bail conditions that include no contact with the alleged victim and no use or possession of any dangerous weapon for which he can be searched at random.

Hawkins is also barred from having or using any illegal drugs for which he can be searched if suspected of violating his bail conditions, Tierney said.

Auburn police said the injured 23-year-old man walked into the bank at noon Tuesday seeking help for a stab wound.

He was taken to Central Maine Medical Center for the injury, which was not considered life threatening.

Shortly after arriving at the scene at 12:04 p.m., police canvassed the area around the bank and located Hawkins, who was arrested and jailed.

Defense attorney Henry Griffin said Hawkins described the incident as a case of “self-defense.”

He said Hawkins had been walking on a bridge when he was jumped by two people and a fight ensued.

Griffin said a police report detailing facts around the event was “completely unclear.”

He asked that Hawkins, who had no cash, be released without bail.

Prosecutors were seeking $10,000 cash bail.

Assistant District Attorney Patricia Mador said Hawkins had a lengthy criminal history that included multiple theft convictions over five years as well as an assault conviction from 2022.