Police in Greenville, South Carolina, detained Brian Hickerson, the former partner of late actress Hayden Panettiere, and his brother Zach Hickerson following an altercation at a local restaurant Saturday night, according to a police press release.
Zach Hickerson was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge after being found highly intoxicated and shouting profanities in a public setting, while Brian Hickerson was released without charges.
The incident occurred at the Wild Wing Cafe on Woodruff Road around 9:10 p.m. Saturday, where officers responded to a reported assault. Upon arrival, police found multiple individuals involved in a fight and detained several people for investigation. Video footage shared by TMZ shows a man believed to be Zach Hickerson throwing a bar chair behind him as a bartender attempted to intervene.
Both brothers were present at the Greenville residence where Panettiere was pronounced dead on August 16 at age 36. Authorities have stated there were no immediate signs of foul play, and the official cause and manner of death remain under investigation.
During the altercation, Brian Hickerson was recorded yelling at officers, stating, 'GPD leaked it when my girlfriend died,' referencing Panettiere’s death. He was later released from the scene without charges. Zach Hickerson, meanwhile, was transported to the Greenville County Detention Center after his arrest.
Police confirmed that the investigation into the restaurant altercation is ongoing, while the broader inquiry into Panettiere’s death remains pending. Authorities have not provided further details on the nature of the fight or the identities of other individuals involved.
A representative for Brian Hickerson’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment.