Carmichaels man charged with aggravated assault
A Carmichaels man faces aggravated assault charges after he was accused of kicking a police officer while being treated in the emergency room.
Branden Holbert, 32, is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.
According to the criminal complaint, Holbert was in the UPMC – Greene emergency room around 2 a.m. Tuesday morning being medically cleared for incarceration for public drunkenness. Holbert refused several orders from Cpl. N. Gustovich of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department to lie back in his bed, then attempted to kick Gustovich in the head, the complaint said, citing bodycam footage.
Holbert was restrained and advised that kicking Gustovich would be aggravated assault, court paperwork said.
Holbert then kicked Gustovich in the face with his left leg, according to the affidavit, then stated, “That’s aggravated assault.”
Charging documents said Gustovich sought medical attention after receiving a visible contusion and swelling on the right side of his face.
No bail information was available Tuesday afternoon.
Holbert is scheduled for a preliminary hearing before Judge Lee Watson on Thursday.