Bystander subdues Lynn man chasing woman

LYNN – A judge ordered $1,000 cash bail after an off-duty cop allegedly witnessed a city man chasing a woman with a baby in her arms outside a school and then threaten to shoot somebody who tried to intervene.”At this time Officer (Thomas) Hazard, who witnessed the female trying to get away from the (defendant) and was now arguing with (the citizen witness), went over to assist,” Lynn Police Officer Rodolfo Ramirez wrote in a report. “Officer Hazard then heard (the defendant) say to (the citizen witness) ?get the (expletive) away from me, I have a gun, I’ll (expletive) kill you.'”Zackary Collins, 25, of 6 Bowler St., was arrested and charged with assault and battery; disorderly conduct; threat to commit a crime; and resisting arrest; at 2:58 p.m. Friday.He was arraigned on the charges Tuesday in Lynn District Court where he pleaded not guilty.Police arrived to the area of the St. Pius V School on Maple Street at approximately 2:15 p.m. Friday and found Hazard and others holding Collins to the ground, according to police.The citizen witness said he was picking his kids up at school when he saw and heard a woman screaming for help while walking towards the school with a baby in her arms, according to police. The citizen witness said the woman was hysterical and pointing at Collins who was behind her. When the citizen witness asked Collins what was happening, Collins allegedly threatened the man, prompting Hazard and other bystanders to try and grab the suspect. The suspect had to be forced into a snowbank to be arrested, police said.”It should be noted that at this time there was a large group of people outside of the school picking up children on both Bowler and Maple streets,” Ramirez reported.The woman told police Collins had slapped her in the face after they started arguing about money, according to police. Officers reported the alleged victim had a slightly swollen right and left eye and told police she was afraid of Collins.Essex Assistant District Attorney Erin Bellavia requested Collins be held on $1,500 cash bail and that he abide by conditions of the recently granted restraining order. Bellavia said Collins had served 18 months and also had received a suspended sentence for previous assault charges.Court-appointed defense attorney Ilona Volker said her client denied the alleged beating and never threatened the citizen witness. She said Collins did not serve time for a domestic incident and had no record involving the alleged victim. Volker requested her client be released on personal recognizance.Judge Mary McCabe set bail at $1,000 cash bail. She also ordered Collins to abide by the restraining order and return to court March 18.