BUSTI - The man who allegedly hit his estranged wife with a hammer, kidnapped her and took her hostage to Ohio is in Chautauqua County Jail and will face a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. on Thursday.
Harold Hall, 57, of Harmony pleaded not guilty Friday in Busti Town Court to second-degree kidnapping and first-degree reckless endangerment, answering charges that stem from the 4:50 p.m. Tuesday incident on Big Tree Road.
Hall was taken to Chautauqua County jail in lieu of $250,000 cash or $500,000 property bond after appearing before Judge Walter Dahlgren.
Police said a concerned citizen called 911 after he reported seeing Hall use his truck to force a gray 1998 Dodge Neon off the pavement Tuesday when he allegedly pulled his estranged wife Julie's hair before hitting her with the hammer and car's door and putting her in his Chevy Silverado pickup truck.
Police sent out an attempt to locate bulletin matching Hall's vehicle and description. Julie then called in sick to Heritage Green skilled nursing facility in Greenhurst. The person who took the call notified police, who tracked the call to a Hillsboro, Ohio home. Police found Hall's vehicle parked at his sister's home and arrested Hall, who, Bentley said, surrendered without incident. Hall was extradited to Chautauqua County on Friday, where he said he was unemployed and requested a public defender.
Bentley said Hall's demeanor was "up and down," but he cooperated with police.
"He's doing what he has to do," said Bentley.
Bentley said the case is "very unusual," but police respond to domestic violence calls daily, adding each is "very dangerous."
"Nobody's happy with this one," he said, adding, he is thankful to all local police who worked hard and cooperatively to bring it to a close.
Bentley said he spoke with Julie on Friday and said she is recovering. She sought an order of protection against Hall four days prior to the incident.
Bentley said the preliminary hearing will next be held to determine if there is enough evidence to hold Hall over for further proceedings.
"There's going to be," said Bentley.
