HCSO press release
Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said three of his deputies arrested a 22-year-old man with illegal drugs, carrying a gun and wanted on an outstanding warrant.
“My team has to be on guard for every call,” he said. “This case started out as a verbal disturbance between the suspect and another individual, and thankfully did not escalate. I appreciate the fine work of the deputies this community counts on to protect all of us.”
Justin Hetherwick was arrested walking on FM 3441 towards Malakoff, with a backpack and a bag.
Earlier in the day, he was involved in an argument at a residence on County Road 1307. The screaming match was followed by Hetherwick allegedly using a hammer to knock a hole in a wall.
Told to leave the residence, the suspect was stopped by Deputy David Robertson and was found with two clear glass pipes and a pistol. Deputies William Walker and Wayne Nutt assisted in the case.
One pipe contained what appeared to be methamphetamines, and Heatherwick admitted he used the other pipe to smoke marijuana.
He was taken to the Henderson County Jail and charged with possession of a controlled substance, unlawfully carrying a weapon and the outstanding warrant.
“What looks and sounds like nothing more than an argument results in an arrest for drugs and a gun,” Hillhouse said. “We stay on call and at the ready for whatever these guys throw at us.”