Hale Found Competent

A Columbus man’s court case in Muskingum County can move forward after a hearing Monday in Common Pleas Court.

In front of Judge Mark Fleegle, both the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office and Nicholas Hale’s attorney agreed to the evaluation report of the Forensic Diagnostic Center of District Nine Incorporated.

The report shows that Hale is competent to stand trial.

Hale is charged with several counts of aggravated burglary, felonious assault and kidnapping. He also faces charges of aggravated robbery, improperly discharging a weapon at or into a habitation and having a weapon while under disability.

Zanesville Police Chief Kenneth Miller said in October of 2015, Hale was involved in a standoff with police at a home in the 1200 block of Devin Street.

During the standoff Hale kept two people as hostages that were later released safely from the home.

Police deployed tear gas and Hale eventually surrendered.

Chief Miller said Hale’s also connect to a drive-by shooting near Shinnick and Orchard Streets.

Bond is set at $1,000,000.00.