CUSTER COUNTY— The man who ran over a transportation officer and tried to escape police in another car in Broken Bow in 2020 has taken a plea deal.
Juan Colombe, 28 of Valentine, appeared via Zoom on Thursday, March 18 along with District Judge Karin Noaks, Deputy County Attorney Kayla Haberstick, and Colombe’s Attorney, Christopher Wickham.
According to Wickham, if Colombe pled guilty or no contest to 1st-degree assault resulting in serious bodily injury (Class II Felony) and criminal attempt-robbery (Class IIA Felony), the state would dismiss the charge of escape (Class IIA Felony). Colombe did agree to the plea deal and pled no contest to 1st-degree assault and criminal attempt-robbery.
According to the factual basis, on March 30, 2020, Broken Bow Police was dispatch to Pump and Pantry, on the east side of Broken Bow, for an incident involving an escaping prisoner, who was later identified at Colombe.
According to the factual basis, Colombe assaulted the transport driver and as he attempted to get away, ran over the driver which resulted in him being transported to Kearney with serious injuries. After becoming stuck near the railroad tracks, Colombe exited the van and ran over to Grocery Kart. Once at GK, he took the car keys of an employee and attempted to get away, but police arrived on scene and detained Colombe.
Judge Noakes ordered a pre-sentence report be completed before sentencing on April 29 at 10 AM.
While both parties will be recommending 5-10 years in prison on each count to be served consecutively, Colombe could be sentenced to 1-75 years if Judge Noakes does not follow the plea agreement.
