Martins Ferry, OH – Zachary Heckathorn, 33, faces charges of assault, criminal trespass, and aggravated menacing following an incident at a church-run free store. The charges stem from a disturbance he allegedly caused on November 14 at Rethreads, located on Hanover Street.
Heckathorn was reportedly escorted from the store by a volunteer after creating a disturbance. Just after 10 a.m. that day, he allegedly returned and attacked the volunteer, striking him between 10 and 15 times before fleeing down an alley.
Witness descriptions helped police apprehend Heckathorn approximately two blocks from the store. He has been held at the Belmont County Jail since his arrest and appeared at a hearing via video feed while wearing an orange inmate’s uniform.
At this week’s hearing, attorneys for both sides requested a continuance. Heckathorn expressed frustration, asserting his desire to defend himself and demanding an immediate trial.
He stated that he did not believe his lawyer was competent and rejected any representation. He characterized the allegations against him as hearsay and insisted on his innocence as the hearing progressed.
Despite being warned to refrain from disrupting the proceedings, Heckathorn’s outbursts continued, contributing to a chaotic atmosphere in the courtroom.
Heckathorn is scheduled to return to court for trial on December 12.