Former Boehringer Ingelheim employee granted bail after New Year’s Day shooting at Athens facility

By Joe Johnson

In an incident that unfolded on New Year’s Day, 27-year-old Zachariah Martin Best reportedly opened fire on a the Boehringer Ingelheim animal vaccine plant on Olympic Drive, causing an estimated $12,800 in damages to a newly expanded section of the facility.

The incident occurred after Best had been placed on administrative leave from his job at the facility due to a disciplinary matter.

Police said they recovered 17 shell casings from the rounds that Best had fired off at the plant, which was vacant at the time due to the holiday.

Best was not supposed to be on the premises because of his administrative leave.

The ensuing investigation led to Best being arrested on Jan. 2. He subsequently appeared before Judge Benjamin Makin in Magistrate Court, where he was granted a $5,000 bond under conditions that include a requirement he reside with his parents in Martinez, cannot possess firearms, and must wear a GPS ankle monitor.

He also was barred by the judge from visiting Athens-Clarke County for any reason except for court-related matters, and from stepping foot on any of the three properties owned by Boehringer Ingelheim in Georgia.

Makin also ordered Best to obtain mental health treatment upon his release from jail, which as of Sunday remained pending as he awaited being fitted with the ankle monitor.