Carol A. Holmes, 56, was arrested September 11 in Long Beach and faces felony charges stemming from an alleged threat to kill a reporting party and a confrontation with police Chief Flint Wright. Police say the incident began with a trespass complaint and ended with officers taking Holmes into custody.
The Chinook Observer reported that Long Beach police responded at about 11:50 a.m. to the 800 block of Ocean Beach Boulevard NW after a 911 caller said a woman had threatened to set her house on fire. Holmes faces two counts of felony harassment, third-degree assault of an officer, and first-degree criminal trespass, according to the Observer’s account.
Officer Miranda West spoke with Holmes during the response. According to the Observer, Holmes eventually said she would listen to West because West was law enforcement.
Alleged Threats and Arrest
Court documents describe West positioning herself between Holmes and the reporting party before serving Holmes with a trespass notice. The Observer reported that Holmes threatened to beat the reporting party as she moved aggressively toward that person; Holmes later admitted touching West.
According to the criminal complaint, Chief Wright arrived to assist and told Holmes to stay off the reporting party’s property. The complaint alleges Holmes threatened to kill the reporting party and shoved Wright. Wright then told Holmes she was going to jail, after which she began actively resisting arrest, the Observer reported.
The Long Beach Police Department also provides municipal police services to neighboring Ilwaco under a contract, according to City of Ilwaco municipal records.
Booking Delay and a Startling Admission
Holmes was taken to the Pacific County Jail in South Bend. During booking, she reportedly admitted that she had broken into the victim’s house, according to court filings cited by the Observer.
Competency Evaluation Pauses the Case
Holmes appeared for a preliminary hearing in Pacific County Superior Court on September 14, and the court ordered her to undergo a mental competency evaluation. Washington law outlines procedures for competency evaluations, as described by Justia Law.
What a Competency Finding Can Mean
A 2021 Trueblood Phase 2 Implementation Plan filed in federal court describes the general process: if the court finds the defendant not competent, it may order treatment aimed at restoring competency.
Holmes is scheduled to appear next on October 2.
What Holmes Could Face
The felony harassment counts against Holmes carry significant weight under Washington law. Per RCW 9A.46.020, harassment can be a Class C felony when a threat to kill creates a credible and reasonable fear, or under a prior-conviction route. A Class C felony carries a maximum penalty of five years in state prison and a $10,000 fine, according to the Vern McCray Law Firm.
The third-degree assault charge stems from the allegation that Holmes shoved Chief Wright. Holmes also faces a first-degree criminal trespass charge.
