Columbia Man Arrested After False Hostage Report

June 12, 2026 Sean Hammond WJRS News

A Columbia man is facing multiple charges after allegedly making a false hostage report and assaulting a law enforcement officer Thursday afternoon.

Adair County Sheriff Gary Roy says 30-year-old Zachery Ballou was arrested around 4:45 at a residence on Campbellsville Road.

According to Deputy Tweedy’s arrest citation, Ballou reported that several people were being held hostage at the residence, prompting multiple sheriff’s deputies to respond. After arriving on scene, deputies determined no one was being held hostage.

Deputy Tweedy further alleges that Ballou kicked him while being escorted to a patrol vehicle after his arrest.

Ballou was charged with falsely reporting an incident that generated an emergency response, third-degree assault, and alcohol intoxication. He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

About Sean Hammond 3630 Articles

Sean Hammond is the host of "Laker Country Afternoons" Monday thru Friday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm and a contributor to lakercountry.com.

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