Suspect accused of strangling man, assaulting Elizabethtown officer

joel-hammack
joel-hammack

A man has been arrested in Hardin County after allegedly strangling a man and assaulting a police officer.

The Elizabethtown Police Department responded Friday night at approximately 11:00 to the 400 block of Diecks Drive “on what appeared to be a theft of some kind,” EPD Public Affairs Officer Chris Denham told The News-Enterprise.

Upon arriving at the scene, police heard an altercation taking place inside the residence, as the victim was yelling for help. Officers entered the residence as 46-year-old Joel R. Hammack, of Crossville, Tennessee, was strangling the victim.

Hammack, who was non-compliant, then began assaulting an officer. The officer responded by tasing Hammack.

The suspect was arrested and charged with first-degree strangulation, third-degree assault of a police officer, resisting arrest, and fourth-degree assault. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center on a $10,000 cash bond.

By Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com