MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Bluefield man is facing multiple charges after police say he threatened a neighbor with a knife, fled from officers, and injured a detective during his arrest.
According to the Bluefield Police Department, officers responded to a report of a man threatening a neighbor with a knife on Penmar Avenue on June 2.
When officers arrived, Robert Erps told police that Thomas Holt had come onto his property looking for a piece of metal to use as a weapon. Erps said Holt later returned to his apartment, retrieved a knife, and came back outside threatening him. Erps told officers Holt warned him not to call police.
Officers located Holt a short time later on Bland Street and attempted to make contact with him. According to the report, Holt pulled a knife from inside his hoodie and began swinging it around while speaking with officers.
As officers investigated, Patrolman G.M. Hoskinson checked Holt’s information through Mercer County Control and learned he was wanted by authorities in Virginia.
When officers attempted to place Holt into custody, police say he fled on foot. During the struggle, Holt allegedly struck Det. Sgt. K.L. Ross in the face. The impact caused Ross’ eyeglasses to cut his face, resulting in an injury.
Officers pursued Holt and captured him after a brief chase. He was then taken into custody without further incident.
Holt was charged with brandishing, assault and battery on a police officer, and fleeing from law enforcement. Following his arrest, he was transported to the Bluefield Police Department for processing and was held pending arraignment.
The incident remains under investigation.
