GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Police Department announced that two individuals, identified as Brian Hickerson and Zach Hickerson, were detained on Saturday night following an altercation inside a local restaurant. Brian Hickerson is recognized as the boyfriend of late actress Hayden Panettiere. Officers were dispatched to the Wild Wing Cafe, located on Woodruff Road, responding to a report of an assault inside the establishment. The call came in around 9:10 p.m.
Upon their arrival at the scene, police encountered several individuals engaged in an altercation, according to the department's statement. The situation necessitated the detention of multiple people by officers as they worked to investigate the incident and ascertain the facts surrounding the disturbance. Among those temporarily held for questioning by the police were Brian Hickerson and Zach Hickerson, as confirmed by authorities.
During the course of the investigation, officers determined that Zach Hickerson was observed to be highly intoxicated. The Greenville Police Department further stated that Zach Hickerson subsequently began to yell profanities while in a public setting within the restaurant. These actions led to his immediate apprehension. As a direct consequence of his behavior, Zach Hickerson was officially taken into custody by police. The charge against him was disorderly conduct.
Following his arrest, Zach Hickerson was transported to the Greenville County Detention Center. He remained in custody overnight and was released from the detention center on Sunday afternoon after posting bond. Meanwhile, Brian Hickerson, who was also detained at the scene, was released by police once the initial investigation concluded. Authorities confirmed that Brian Hickerson was not charged in connection with the incident that unfolded at the Wild Wing Cafe.
This incident involving Brian Hickerson comes as police continue to investigate the death of Hayden Panettiere. FOX Carolina previously reported in August on the circumstances surrounding Ms. Panettiere's passing. According to that report, first responders had been called to Judson Mill Lofts after receiving a report of an unresponsive female. Police and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office are both actively involved in the ongoing investigation into the details of her death. The connection between the two incidents was noted by the Greenville Police Department.