Sunday February 16th, 2025 7:22AM

HCSO: alcohol a factor in police Lt.'s standoff with SWAT

FLOWERY BRANCH - Authorities Monday afternoon said a SWAT standoff with a member of the Braselton Police Department began with 911 calls from neighbors regarding a female in distress in a Flowery Branch neighborhood.

Hall County authorities responded to 6437 River Hill Dr. around 9:11 p.m. Saturday, according to sheriff's Deputy Nicole Bailes.
 
"They could observe a male subject inside of the home that was picking up a female that appeared to be injured."
 
After learning a Braselton officer lived in the home, authorities called in the SWAT team.

The officer, identified as Lt. Robert Holt, 40, held authorities at bay for over three hours, according to Bailes.
 
"Once it was made known that law enforcement was present on the scene, the lights went out in the residence and then no contact was made."
 
SWAT team members eventually fired tear gas into the home, out of fear there were injured victims inside.

After the tear gas, Bailes said authorities made telephone contact with Holt, who came out of the home and was arrested without incident.

Following the arrest, SWAT team members found a female with injuries to her ankle inside the residence. Bailes said she was checked out by first responders and later refused treatment.

"We have been advised that this is his (Holt's) wife. They were recently married. She has not been cooperative with us at this point in providing exact information as to what occurred in that residence," Bailes said.

Holt has been charged with battery under the family violence act and kidnapping.
 
"The search warrant was conducted and served once we had the scene secure, and physical evidence was taken out of the home.  There was also evidence of alcohol being involved in this," Bailes said.

Braselton Police Chief Terry Esco said his department was awaiting details on the incident. He said Holt would be on administrative leave without pay.
 
A Hall County Superior Court judge set conditional bond for Holt at $7000 Monday.  The bond conditions for Holt include no weapons, alcohol, law breaking or contact with his wife. Holt also is prohibited from going within 100 yards of her residence or going near her work.  The judge also included a fourth amendment waiver.
  • Associated Categories: Homepage, Local/State News
  • Associated Tags: hall county sheriff's office, SWAT standoff, officer arrested, Braselton Police Department
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