VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – The man accused of dragging an officer with his car before getting shot at by the officer appeared in court on Monday.

Nicholas Colin, 25, faces multiple charges in connection to the incident, which happened Saturday night.

It all started when police got a call about a person inside Central 111 Tapas Lounge, a nightclub near the intersection of Great Neck Road and Virginia Beach Boulevard.

When police tried to catch up with the suspect, Colin had already driven off. Police found him a few miles away in a parking lot near Lynnhaven Mall. He was inside a car with others.

When an officer tried to approach the car, Colin drove off, dragging the officer with him for a short time, according to police. That’s an officer shot at him, and hit Colin in the arm.

Colin appeared in court via video on Monday afternoon. 10 On Your Side spoke with his defense attorney, Andrew Sacks.

“He denies any conduct that would justify being shot by a police officer,” said Sacks.

Police records show that this would not be the first time Colin used his car to try and escape police. In 2021, he was accused of leading police on a high speed chase before losing control of his car near Lynnhaven Parkway.

He pled guilty in that case to eluding police, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license.

In this case, 10 On Your Side is told Colin won’t be pleading guilty.

“This case should fall on its own unique facts and circumstances, which again, we’re just beginning to get information on,” said Sacks, who added, “we intend to fight this.”

The police officer is recovering from minor injuries.

Central 111 Tapas Lounge did not respond to request for comment.

Nicholas Colin (Photo Courtesy: Virginia Beach City Jail)

Colin is charged with assault on a law enforcement officer and felon in possession of a firearm. Police said additional charges are pending.

Harris says three other people were in the car at the time of the incident. One of the people in the car was detained on the scene. The other two people escaped on foot, however, Harris said they are not thought to be suspects.

The shooting is still under investigation.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.