Puyallup Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Pool Attack
🤖 AI Generated ImageA Puyallup man is facing attempted murder charges after prosecutors say he tried to drown a family member in a backyard pool, broke into a home with a metal baton, and then charged at a responding police officer who shot him.
Brandon Michael Holland was charged Monday in Pierce County Superior Court with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, two counts of second-degree assault, and two counts of violating a court order. Prosecutors requested bail be set at $2 million.
Pool attack began after argument over vacuum
The case stems from a June 5 911 call at a home in Puyallup. According to charging documents filed with the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney, the confrontation began after an argument inside the home regarding a vacuum cleaner.
When a family member tried to call 911 from the back deck, prosecutors say Holland tackled her and they both fell into the pool. The victim told investigators Holland repeatedly held her head underwater while she fought to breathe, with at least one submersion lasting 10 to 20 seconds before she could push off the bottom.
Another family member jumped into the pool and pulled Holland off, allowing the victim to escape. Prosecutors say Holland then followed her toward the house and later chased her across the street while threatening to kill her. Witnesses told investigators Holland appeared to be extremely intoxicated.
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Baton burglary led to officer-involved shooting
A short time later, investigators say Holland returned to the family home, retrieved a collapsible metal baton from a car, and broke glass in the front door. Court documents say he stepped through the broken door while a family member inside tried to keep him out, leaving that person with a cut hand and bleeding head wound.
When the first Puyallup officer arrived, Holland came out of the home with the baton, according to the Puyallup Police Department. Investigators said the officer repeatedly told Holland to stop and put the weapon down as Holland continued moving toward him.
Court documents say Holland raised the baton over his head and ran toward the officer. The officer fired three times, hitting Holland twice. Holland continued forward for about 25 feet before collapsing. He was taken into custody and given medical aid.
The Washington Office of Independent Investigations is reviewing the police shooting separately, as required for all officer-involved shootings in the state.
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Violated protective orders and prior history cited
Prosecutors also said Holland violated two active protective orders that barred him from contacting family members or going within 1,000 feet of their homes.
Court records show Holland was accused in 2024 of punching a family member hard enough to break her nose. Another case from 2025 accused Holland of intentionally spitting on two corrections officers during the jail intake process.
The combination of the alleged attempted drowning, the home invasion with a weapon, and the violations of court orders led prosecutors to file the attempted murder charge along with the assault and burglary counts. The Washington Office of Independent Investigations typically takes several months to complete such reviews, with findings forwarded to prosecutors for review of whether the use of deadly force was justified.
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What happens next in court
Holland remains in custody pending his first appearance. The $2 million bail request reflects prosecutors' assessment of danger to the community and risk of non-appearance, given the alleged violations of protective orders.
The attempted second-degree murder charge carries a significantly longer potential sentence than the assault charges alone. Under Washington law, prosecutors must prove Holland intended to cause the death of another person during the pool incident.
Key Takeaways
- Brandon Michael Holland charged with attempted second-degree murder after alleged pool drowning attempt June 5
- Prosecutors say he held victim underwater 10-20 seconds, then chased her with death threats
- Broke into home with metal baton, injuring second family member before police arrived
- Shot twice by Puyallup officer after charging with baton raised, investigation ongoing
- Violated two protective orders, has prior 2024 assault and 2025 corrections assault allegations
- Bail requested at $2 million in Pierce County Superior Court
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