Hayden Panettiere's Boyfriend Arrested Again for Alleged Domestic Violence

Hayden Panettiere's boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, has been arrested once again for alleged domestic violence. As TMZ reports, the former Nashville star's boyfriend was taken into custody in the early hours of the morning on Valentine's Day after he allegedly struck Panettiere "with a closed fist on the right side of her face."

The Teton County Sheriff's Office was made aware of situation at a private residence in Jackson, Wyoming. Whoever called in the assault said Hickerson was locked outside of the house for hitting his girlfriend. When authorities arrived at the scene, Hickerson was in the driveway and dodged questions about whether he hit her or not. He claimed he had hired a private chef for the home so he "wouldn't be accused of bullshit."

The chef told police that he left before the violence broke out, but he did see the couple in a heated argument as he was present. Panettiere reportedly told the police that Hickerson threw her around and punched her in the bedroom, and officers noticed her face was swollen and observed injuries on her left hand. He has has been charged with domestic battery and interfering with a police officer because he allegedly refused to identify himself.

This isn't the first time Hickerson has landed himself in trouble with the law for allegedly laying his hands on Panettiere. He was arrested last March following a fight, although they later got back together in November. The domestic abuse case against him was also dismissed.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence get help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visiting the website.