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Written by: J. Tovar
Published February 14, 2023, at 4:40 PM ET
Catoosa County (January 3, 2023) – A 28-year-old Ringgold woman was arrested after witnesses say she punched a 15-year-old in the face, fracturing his eye socket in two places after the teen threw things at her.
Almeda Holmes left the scene before law enforcement arrived, but the teen’s mother showed deputies pictures of her son’s face that showed a large bruise on his left eye that was also swollen shut.
The mother told deputies she took the teen to receive medical attention, and hospital staff confirmed to deputies that he had two fractured bones around his eye socket. The next day deputies took additional photos of the teen’s face for evidence.
Holmes was arrested almost 20 days later on first-degree cruelty to children and aggravated battery charges.
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
[NARRATIVE #1 on January 03, 2023]
On January 3, 2023, Detective Thompson was notified of an incident of child cruelty, that occurred at [500 BLOCK] Brock Circle, Ringgold, Catoosa County, Georgia.
Detective Thompson made contact with the complainant, [WITNESS #1], who stated that her son, [VICTIM #1], who is fifteen, was assaulted by Almeda Holmes. The incident occurred on January 3, 2023, at approximately 1400 hours.
Deputies responded to the scene and were advised the offender had left the scene. Deputies were told that victim had thrown items at the offender and the offender punched the child in the face. Detective Thompson received photos of the juvenile, showing a large bruise on the left eye of the child and it was swelled shut.
Ms. [WITNESS #1] stated she took the child to the hospital and after being seen by the hospital staff, it was determined the child had two fractures around his eye socket. Detective Thompson gathered all information needed for the incident report from Ms. [WITNESS #1]. Detective Thompson contacted hospital staff at CHI Memorial North Georgia and confirmed the child was seen and discharged.
Detective Thompson set up a time with Ms. [WITNESS #1], to interview the witness, [WITNESS #2], and take more photos of the child, for January 4, 2023. All other information and photos will be included in the case file. This case is active, while Detective Thompson completes the investigation.
[End of Narrative]
[NARRATIVE #2 on January 20, 2023]
On January 20, 2023, at approximately 1400 hours, Detective Thompson arrested the offender, Almeda Holmes, at the Sheriff’s Office, after she was interviewed.
Detective Thompson served the active arrest warrants on Mrs. Holmes and she was escorted to booking. The warrants were not entered into NCIC. This case is cleared by arrest. All other information will be available in the case file.
[End of Narrative]