Virginia Tech RB Arrested After Fight

Virginia Tech RB Michael Holmes was arrested this weekend following a fight near campus.

Holmes was arrested early on Sunday morning and charged with two counts of simple assault and one count of malicious wounding. He is currently being held without bail.

The Washington Post reports that Holmes, a redshirt sophomore, could face five to 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000. Malicious wounding is a class 3 felony in Virginia and is described as an attempt to “maliciously shoot, stab, cut, or wound any person or by any means cause him bodily injury, with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill.”

Lt. Nathan O’Dell said that one person was taken to the hospital after the fight while another two were treated for injuries at the scene.

Yahoo News reports that a malicious wounding charge typically stems from an assault with a weapon. It can also result from broken bones or severe cuts. Virginia Tech beat writer Andy Bitter said that no weapons were used in the fight.

Bitter wrote on Twitter: “O’Dell said incident started as a fight in a parking lot between 2 females. A 3rd female joined, then two males, one of which being Holmes … O’Dell said no weapons were used in the fight. He said the wounds suffered by one victim warranted the malicious wounding charge on Holmes.”

Holmes started five games last season and was expected to fight for a starting position this year. He had 280 rushing yards in 2012 and recently said that his biggest improvement during the off-season was that he became a better leader.

Holmes said: “One of my things I think I’ve kind of gotten better at is being a leader. I played last year, so kind of keeping the young bucks together and working hard.”

Holmes has been suspended from the team until the charge is resolved.