ACWORTH, GA – A man from Georgia has been convicted and sentenced for assaulting several individuals, including a law enforcement officer, while under the influence of drugs and unclothed. Kelly Holcomb, 37, was reported to have entered a room at Deerfield Lodge in Acworth, Georgia, on December 17, where he assaulted a man and woman.
The Acworth Police Department received reports of a nude man attacking people. Officer Taneisha Palarche was the first to arrive at the scene. Despite her attempts to pacify Holcomb, he continued his assault, attacking another individual before turning on the officer. “He was under the influence of multiple drugs and was unclothed,” Officer Eric Mistretta stated, recalling the incident.
Holcomb’s assault on Officer Palarche was particularly brutal, knocking out one of her front teeth, strangling her, and attempting to gouge out her eyes. Some local residents tried to divert Holcomb’s attention, while another assisted in freeing the officer.
Additional officers arrived at the scene, but Holcomb resisted arrest, even kicking one of the officers. Despite using a Taser, the officers were unable to subdue him immediately. Holcomb was eventually arrested and taken to a hospital before being booked into jail.
A jury in Cobb County found Holcomb guilty of multiple charges, including aggravated battery on a peace officer, aggravated assault on a peace officer, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, obstruction of an officer, first-degree burglary, and misdemeanor battery. During the trial, Holcomb confessed to using methamphetamine before the assault.
Cobb County Assistant District Attorney Nolan Slifko expressed gratitude to the bystanders who assisted Officer Palarche and the other victims. He emphasized the dangers of drug use and the harmful impact it has on the user and those around them.
Holcomb received a 20-year sentence, with the first 15 years to be served in prison. Judge Jason D. Marbutt, during the sentencing, admonished Holcomb for his actions, ordering him to have no contact with the victims.