VBPD officer testifies during sentencing hearing following March 2023 incident

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – The man convicted of assaulting a Virginia Beach police officer returned to court Monday morning for his sentencing hearing.

Nicholas Colin, 26, was found guilty of several charges including violent assault on a police officer and felony evading police.

According to a police report, on March 4, 2023, 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 and explained the moments that led to him cornering Colin in the 7-Eleven parking lot on Lynnhaven Parkway.

Prior to the encounter, police were called after Colin threatened staff at Central 111 Tapas Lounge with a gun.

Holman said Colin put the car in reverse “while I was standing in the doorway of the car.”

The officer said he was dragged “20 feet, if not more” by the car. During the incident, Holman said, “The door hit my arm and the gun went off,” hitting Colin in the arm.

The officer explained his injuries as multiple bruises and a broken leg. He also has long-term knee problems and will likely need a knee replacement in five to ten years. Holman said he “may be punished for this incident, which I find unfair.”

Andrew Sacks, the defense attorney, asked Holman several questions and said the body camera video showed Colin appeared “nervous.” Sacks also asked Holman for clarification on the unwarranted statement in which Holman cited a “rumor” circulating as part of the standard VBPD investigation.

Sacks called Colin’s newlywed wife Anna to the stand as a character witness. Anna described Colin as “a virtuous and hard-working man.” She said he was the father of two children 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 had “taken responsibility” for his actions.

While in prison, Colin has started a French bulldog breeding business and plans to “hit the ground running” after serving his sentence. Colin’s mother, 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 prior crimes that evaded his conviction, his probation status and his drug charges.

Gaines added that Colin told investigators that he “likes to run away from the police.”

Colin’s wife Anna replied: “I understand the facts behind the situation as fear.”

The defense attorney asked Virginia Beach District Court Judge Tanya Bullock to continue the sentencing to combine a good behavior violation and a recent guilty plea.

Colin will be back in court at the end of the month for sentencing on May 22nd.