Terrance Combs of Austin has been convicted of Battery resulting in bodily injury to a public safety official and is going to spend six years in prison for his actions, according to Scott County Prosecutor Chris Owens.
In August 2019, Austin Police officer Cody Newsome responded to a call for a man making threats and causing damage at a residence on Highway 31 in Austin. When Newsome arrived, he learned that Terrance Combs had been causing trouble at the residence but had already left.
Newsome located Combs several blocks down the street and found Combs to be intoxicated.
After advising Mr. Combs that he was being placed under arrest for his behavior at the house and his level of intoxication while on the street, Combs began to fight with the officer. Combs hit and kicked the officer during the struggle, but ultimately, Officer Newsome was able to subdue Combs and place him into custody, Owens said.
“Our local police officers place themselves at risk daily to protect the citizens of our community, and nonsensical behavior like this cannot be tolerated,” said the prosecutor. “Our office is dedicated to enforcement of our laws and protection of the people in this county. Mr. Combs has a significant criminal history and I hope that this sentence will allow him time to get his behavior straightened out so that he can re-enter society as a sober, productive citizen.”
Owens said that several citizens of the Austin community were prepared to testify as witnesses in this case, as this agreement was reached just prior to beginning trial. “Without the help and cooperation of witnesses, cases like this may not get resolved. Holding people accountable truly is a task for us all,” said Owens