Man accused of biting another man’s earlobe off during drunken fight

Zachary Hopkins faces felony assault charges for the incident.

A Williamsburg man was arrest for felony assault Monday after police say he bit off another man’s earlobe during a drunken altercation at a party the night before.

Zachary Hopkins, 20, was arrested by Whitley County Deputy Sheriff Shawn Jackson and charged with second-degree assault for the attack. He is currently being held in the Whitley County Detention Center.

According to Whitley County Sheriff Colan Harrell, Jackson began investigating the case after the Whitley County 911 Dispatch Center received a call from Jellico Community Hospital regarding the incident. The victim had checked into the hospital for treatment.

Jackson determined, through questioning, that the victim and Hopkins had gotten into a fight at a party Sunday night. Both were likely under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Half of the victim’s earlobe was bitten off by Hopkins and could not be reattached. The damage is thought to be permanent unless plastic surgery is performed at a later date.

Based on the investigation, authorities believe there was possibly an accomplice involved in the assault and further arrests are possible. According to an arrest citation, the victim of the assault was also punched in the face.

The case will be presented to the Whitley County Grand Jury. Deputy Jackson is continuing an investigation.