Man who attempted to escape in Broken Bow in 2020 sentenced

Man who attempted to escape in Broken Bow in 2020 sentenced
Juan Colombe

A man who ran over a transportation officer and tried to escape police in another car in Broken Bow in 2020 was sentenced in Custer County District Court Thursday, April 29.

Juan Colombe, 28 of Valentine, appeared via Zoom with District Judge Karin Noakes, County Attorney Steven Bowers, and his attorney Christopher Wickham.

Both Bowers and Wickham gave statements in support of following the agreement reached on March 19, which states that Colombe would serve 5 to 10 years on two charges consecutively with credit for 396 days served. The charges are 1st degree assault and criminal attempt-robbery.

According to the factual basis in the case, on March 30, 2020, Broken Bow Police was dispatched to Pump and Pantry, on the east side of Broken Bow, for an incident involving an escaping prisoner, who was later identified at Colombe. The factual basis continued by saying that Colombe assaulted the transport driver as he attempted to get away and ran over the driver resulting in transportation to Kearney with serious injuries. After getting stuck near the railroad tracks, Colombe exited the van and ran to Grocery Kart, where he took the car keys of an employee and attempted to get away. He was detained before doing so.

Judge Noakes cited the violence of the crime, Colombe’s criminal record, and the motivation behind his actions as influencing her decision. She followed the plea agreement, and Colombe was sentenced to 5 to 10 years to be served consecutively in both cases with credit for 396 days served.

Juan Colombe was already in custody of the Nebraska Department of Corrections at the time of the sentencing.

Share: