Tryon Man Arrested After 100 MPH Chase Through Columbus

Keith Derrick Holmes faces multiple charges including assault and hit-and-run after fleeing from police.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Authorities say a 42-year-old Tryon man, Keith Derrick Holmes, turned a routine traffic stop into a high-speed chase through Polk County, reaching speeds over 100 mph before being boxed in and arrested by deputies. Holmes is facing charges including assault on a government official, fleeing to elude, and hit-and-run.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases, which can put both officers and the public at risk. It also raises questions about repeat offenders and the challenges law enforcement faces in balancing public safety with appropriate charges and bail.

The details

According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the chase began around 8:15 pm on February 17 when officers tried to pull Holmes over near the Tractor Supply on W. Mills Street in Columbus. Holmes allegedly refused to stop and reached speeds over 100 mph on Lynn Road and 70 mph on Harmon Field Road as multiple agencies joined the pursuit. The chase ended near Tryon around 8:30 pm, at which point police say Holmes kicked an officer and spat at another. He is also accused of vandalizing political signs.

  • The chase began around 8:15 pm on February 17.
  • The pursuit ended near Tryon around 8:30 pm.

The players

Keith Derrick Holmes

A 42-year-old man from Tryon, North Carolina who was arrested after a high-speed chase through Polk County.

Alberto Cesante

A Columbus police officer that Holmes allegedly assaulted during the arrest.

Paul Fousek

A Tryon police officer that Holmes allegedly spat at during the arrest.

Polk County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that took Holmes into custody after the chase.

North Carolina Highway Patrol

The agency that charged Holmes with hit-and-run for allegedly colliding with a law enforcement vehicle during the pursuit.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Prosecutors are expected to file formal charges against Holmes, and the case will move through the district court system. No preliminary hearing date had been reported in the initial coverage.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases and the challenges law enforcement faces in balancing public safety with appropriate charges and bail for repeat offenders. It raises questions about how to address reckless driving and assaults on officers in a way that protects the community.