Brian Hickerson Detained Following Incident in Greenville, South Carolina

<p>The boyfriend of late actress Hayden Panettiere, Brian Hickerson, was detained on suspicion of assault over the weekend. </p><p>Hickerson was allegedly involved in an incident at the Wild Wing Cafe in Greenville, South Carolina, on Saturday night, according to local news outlet WYFF. Video from the restaurant reportedly shows him throwing a barstool. </p><p>Hickerson's brother, Zach Hickerson, was also part of the group and was described as highly intoxicated and yelling profanities when officers arrived. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.</p><p>Zach spoke to TMZ about the incident, attributing the altercation to rumors about him and Brian. “It’s just super frustrating. All that we’ve been through and all the rumors that get started, and then people believe them,” he said while outside the Greenville County Detention Center. “And then they attack as a result of the rumors. That’s what pisses me off.”</p><p>“I’m just trying to go get my car and go back to my life,” he added.</p><p>Brian was not arrested but was briefly detained. </p><p>Zach previously discussed discovering Panettiere unconscious and attempting to save her. The actress was found dead in her apartment last month, just days before her 37th birthday, as reported by The Daily Wire. </p><p>Zach stated that he had plans with his brother and Panettiere on August 16, the day of her death. He arrived at the apartment for lunch and indoor golf and knocked loudly, waking his brother. He then realized Panettiere was unconscious and called 911 while his brother administered Narcan, a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses.</p><p>“I immediately called 911 and Brian gave her Narcan,” Zach said. “We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived. At that point, we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life.”</p><p>Zach described Panettiere as one of his “dearest and closest friends” and expressed that he is “beyond heartbroken and devastated” by her death.</p><p>He stated that the “truth” will soon come out and expressed a desire for the “assumptions, speculations, and accusations” surrounding Panettiere’s death to cease.</p><p>Panettiere had a tumultuous relationship with Brian, who was arrested multiple times and pleaded no contest to two felony charges related to an assault against her, according to the Hollywood Reporter.</p><p>Brian released a statement regarding Panettiere’s death through an attorney in August, emphasizing the ongoing investigation. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play,” said Sloan Ellis from the Ellis Hinton law firm, as reported by TMZ. “Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”</p><p>Panettiere, who leaves behind one daughter, had publicly discussed her battle with addiction in the years leading up to her death. The cause and manner of her death remain undetermined as the investigation continues, with authorities stating that an autopsy found no signs of trauma contributing to her death.</p><p>Panettiere’s estranged mother expressed skepticism about the narrative Brian is presenting regarding her daughter’s death.</p>