Chillicothe, OH (November 16, 2024) – A Ross County man was arrested after allegedly threatening to kill an acquaintance and chasing him in a car during a late-night confrontation on Brady Hill Road. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of November 16, led to a tense pursuit through several counties before authorities were able to intervene.
Sgt. Zachary McGoye of the Ross County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Law Enforcement Complex in Chillicothe early on the morning of November 16 to investigate the situation. According to the report, the complainant, who had been living in a camper on the property of Zachariah Hoylman for several months, stated that an argument had broken out between the two men shortly after 1:00 a.m. on that date.
The complainant explained that he was packing his belongings into his car, a black Chevy Cobalt, in preparation to move out when tensions escalated. He claimed Hoylman, who was allegedly under the influence of drugs at the time, threatened to kill him and attempted to force open the passenger door of his car. The complainant also mentioned that Hoylman had something in his hands during the threat, though he could not identify the object.
According to the complainant, Hoylman frequently carries a pistol and owns a crossbow, which further fueled his fear for his safety. In an attempt to flee, the complainant reversed his car and made contact with Hoylman’s parked Ford Focus. The altercation prompted the man to quickly leave the scene, driving away in fear for his life.
Shortly after, the complainant contacted 911 at 2:27 a.m., reporting that Hoylman was chasing him in his own vehicle, a Ford Focus. The two vehicles traveled through the back roads near Tar Hollow State Park, extending the pursuit into Hocking and Vinton counties. Authorities launched a search for both vehicles, with deputies and highway patrol units combing the area.
At one point, deputies observed Hoylman’s Ford Focus near his home but lost sight of the vehicle as it moved away. Deputies later visited Hoylman’s residence, but were unable to make contact with him, and his car was not at the location.
The complainant, who had minor damage to the rear bumper of his Chevy Cobalt, arrived at the Law Enforcement Complex to file a report. He confirmed that he feared for his life during the chase, which lasted approximately an hour through rural roads. No physical injuries were reported.
As the investigation progressed, deputies located Hoylman at his home. He reportedly denied the allegations, claiming that the complainant had backed into his car and thrown mud on it before leaving. Hoylman also asserted that he had been at home the entire time and had not pursued the complainant.
However, deputies had previously observed Hoylman’s Ford Focus in the Tar Hollow area during the chase. Based on the totality of the circumstances, Hoylman was arrested and charged with aggravated menacing, a misdemeanor. He was transported to the Ross County Jail for booking.
The complainant requested a stay-away order, pending the acquisition of a protection order. According to the Ohio Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS), Hoylman has no prior convictions.
