VBPD officer testifies during sentencing hearing following March 2023 incident
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The man found guilty of assaulting a Virginia Beach police officer returned to court Monday morning for a sentencing hearing.
Nicholas Colin, 26, was found guilty of several charges, including felony assault of a law enforcement officer and felony eluding police.
On March 4, 2023, according to a police report, Colin dragged an officer during a traffic stop near South Lynnhaven Road. The officer shot Colin in the arm during the incident.
Virginia Beach Police Officer Holman took the stand, explaining the moments leading up to him cornering Colin in the 7-Eleven parking lot on Lynnhaven Parkway.
Before the encounter, police were called after Colin threatened the staff with a gun at the Central 111 Tapas Lounge.
Previously: Police: Officer shoots suspect following incident near Lynnhaven Mall in VB
Holman said Colin put the car in “reverse while I was standing in the doorway of the car.”
The officer said he was dragged by the car “20 feet, if not more.” During the incident, Holman said “the door hit my arm and the gun went off” striking Colin in the arm.
The officer explained his injuries as several bruises and a broken leg. He also has long-term knee problems and will likely need his knees replaced in five-to-10 years. Holman said he may “possibly be punished because of this incident, which I find unjust.”
Andrew Sacks, the defense attorney, asked Holman several questions, stating the body camera video showed that Colin appeared to be “nervous.” Sacks also asked Holman for clarification on the unjust statement, in which Holman cites a “rumor” going around amid the standard VBPD investigation.
Sacks called Colin’s newlywed wife, Anna, to the stand as a character witness. Anna described Colin as a “man of virtue” and “hardworking.” She said he is a father of two who had a “very difficult upbringing” on a reservation in Oklahoma. Colin was driving her car at the time of the incident. She added that he “took responsibility” for his actions.
While in jail, Colin has started a business to breed French bulldogs, with plans to “hit the ground running” after he serves his time. Colin’s mom, brother, sister and grandmother were also in court.
However, Virginia Beach Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Eleanor Gaines questioned his wife’s knowledge of Colin’s five previous felony eluding convictions, probation status and drug charges.
Gaines added that Colin told detectives that he “likes to run from police.”
Colin’s wife, Anna, responded, “I understand the facts behind the situation like anxiety.”
The defense attorney asked Virginia Beach Circuit Court Judge Tanya Bullock to continue the sentencing to combine a good behavior violation and current guilty plea.
Colin will be back in court at the end of the month for sentencing May 22.
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