Attack, abduction arrests in Martinsville

News Release
Published: August 24, 2008

News release from Martinsville Police Dept.:

The Martinsville Police Department arrested two individuals in connection with an abduction and malicious wounding in Martinsville that took place Sunday.

Martinsville Police say officers responded to a call of shots fired at 913 Askin Street in Martinsville at 3:50 a.m. Sunday.

Victims Kenneth Ziglar and Natasha Hairston reported that the incident started when they heard someone knocking at the door of the residence. 

Kenneth stated that he then went to the door and opened it and two individuals identified as Christopher Hairston and Charles Hall came in uninvited. 

Christopher asked to see Natasha and then took out a handgun. 

When the occupants of the apartment tried to leave, Christopher threatened them with the hand gun and Charles blocked the door, preventing them from leaving.
Kenneth Ziglar then began struggling with Christopher Hairston over the gun and yelling at the others in the apartment to run. 

Charles became involved, helping Christopher fight against Kenneth. 

During the melee, Kenneth was struck in the head with the gun. 

This blow left a large cut on Kenneth Ziglar’s head and caused the gun to discharge. 

Everyone else in the apartment fled, jumping from a second story window.

Kenneth was able to break away a short time later and jump from the same window in the upstairs portion of the residence.

As a result of jumping from the second story window, Kenneth Ziglar and Natasha Hairston both sustained broken left legs. 

The two suspects were quickly detained in the 100 block of Askin Street by responding officers from the Martinsville Police Department, including Officers D. A. Mena, J. M. Washburn and Sgt. R. D. Haynes. 

Martinsville Police investigators working the case include Inv. R. J. Barrow, Lt. G. C. Dove, and Inv. D. P. Shumate.
Individuals arrested and charged in this incident include the following:

Christopher James Hairston, age 25, of 203 Fourth Street in Martinsville, was charged with the following:
• Two counts of Abduction
• One count of Malicious Wounding
• One count Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
• Discharge of a Firearm within an Occupied Dwelling

Also arrested was Charles Anthony Hall, age 31, of 74 Deacon Drive in Stanleytown, Va.  Hall was charged with the following:
• Two counts Abduction
• Two counts Assault and Batter

The Martinsville Police Department will continue to gather evidence and information in this case. 

Anyone with information on this crime should contact the Martinsville Police Department Investigations Unit at 403-5301, the 911 Center, or Crime Stoppers.  Crime Stoppers pays rewards of up to $1,000 in certain cases. 

You do not have to reveal your identity. 

Report tips anonymously to 63-CRIME (276-632-7463).