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Ex-cop up on new felony charges
McCOOK, Neb. -- A former McCook police officer who made headlines for stealing a police cruiser in 2013 was arrested again recently on felony strangulation and misdemeanor domestic assault charges.
The man, 42-year-old Stanly Colby of Fairbury, is facing a Class 3A felony alleging he strangled his former girlfriend, Joy Storm, in addition to a Class I misdemeanor alleging domestic assault.
Storm initially reported the assault to Colby's former employer, the Fairbury Police Department, but became concerned he wouldn't be arrested and requested they take no action. She reported the assault to the Nebraska State Patrol several days later after Colby traveled to North Platte to visit his father, according to court documents.
In her petition for a protection order, Storm describes Colby as 6-foot 4-inches tall and weighing 300 pounds. She told Fairbury police he grabbed her by the throat and threw her against a door, adding she felt like she was going to pass out at the time.
Nebraska State Patrol investigators indicated Storm told Fairbury police she didn't want law enforcement action and added it would be a fight if they responded to the Colby residence. Fairbury officers subsequently took no action, according to court documents.
The assault allegedly occurred on Sept. 18, 2015, and Storm told investigators she asked the Jefferson County Attorney's office to require Colby receive a mental evaluation and committal. She said she wasn't certain of the exact date of her request but indicated it occurred between Sept. 18 and Sept. 22. She also said she expressed concerns on Sept. 22 Colby was having mental problems and not taking his medication.
Storm turned to the Nebraska State Patrol on Sept. 25 and told state investigators she got the impression the Fairbury Police Department wouldn't arrest Colby at the time of her initial report. According to the Nebraska State Patrol affidavit in support of a arrest warrant, Storm said she was afraid things would get worse if Fairbury police only talked to Colby.
Colby was subsequently arrested and charged with strangulation and domestic assault. He bonded out on Oct. 14, 2015, and was ordered to have no contact with Joy Storm.
Colby is scheduled for a hearing in Jefferson County District Court at 1 p.m. on Nov. 19, 2015.
Colby made headlines in September 2013 after being arrested in a stolen Fairbury police cruiser en route to McCook. The arrest occurred after multiple law enforcement agencies pursued Colby and he initially faced a felony theft charge. The charge was ultimately dismissed after a psyche evaluation was conducted.
He was arrested as part of a coordinated effort involving North Platte Police, Lincoln County deputies and state troopers, six miles south of North Platte. Colby was a Fairbury police officer at the time, in full uniform and armed.
Colby avoided spike strips used in an attempt to stop his vehicle during the chase, according to Lincoln County Chief Deputy Roland Kramer. Kramer said several agencies were involved because of safety concerns.
Colby's employment was terminated shortly after the chase, according to the Fairbury Police Department.
Initial reports indicated Colby was distraught at the time and believed to be headed to McCook. It was later reported he specifically identified his former boss, Chief of Police Isaac Brown, as his intended interest in McCook.
Colby was a McCook police officer from 2001 to 2006 but Chief Brown said at the time he had not heard from Colby for several years, aside from a brief phone conversation, and wasn't aware Colby was employed by the Fairbury Police Department prior to the incident.
Colby was ordered to have no contact with Chief Brown, as well as "no weapons," during his bond hearing in the case. Two days later Colby's defense attorney requested a competency evaluation and psychological examination, according to court documents.
The request was granted and Colby was transported to the Lincoln Regional Center. Approximately a month later court documents indicate Colby's attorney filed another motion claiming the Lincoln Regional Center had not done a pysch evaluation as ordered. Dr. Lee Kimzey PHD was subsequently appointed to evaluate Colby at the state's expense.
Reports at the time indicated the Lincoln Regional Center evaluation was inadequate.
The felony theft charge was subsequently dismissed without prejudice on a motion from the prosecutor, Lincoln County Chief Deputy Attorney Tanya Roberts-Connick, in November of 2013. The reason for the dismissal was listed as "interest of justice."
The State of Nebraska was subsequently billed $1,287 from Behavioral Medicine Associates for a pysch evaluation performed by Dr. Kimzey. Court documents indicate the bill was paid by Lincoln County.