Indictments filed against motorcycle driver accused of shooting at police officers

Photo: Colby Towles (DeSoto County Jail photo)

A grand jury indictment has been filed against a Southaven man accused of shooting at Olive Branch police officers in March of this year.  

The indictment accuses Colby Towles, age 34 of Southaven, of attempted murder and aggravated assault on a police officer.  

According to court documents, Towles allegedly shot at officers during a traffic stop on Goodman Road near Craft-Goodman intersection. The incident took place about 1:45 a.m. the morning of March 12.  

During the stop, reports are that a motorcycle approached and the driver started yelling at the officers. The motorcycle left the scene westbound, but then made a U-turn and returned on eastbound Goodman Road.  

It was when the motorcycle driver reached the officers he opened fire on the officers, police said. One officer did return fire on the driver, who then left the scene eastbound on Goodman Road. 

Westbound lanes of Goodman Road in the area of the shooting were closed during the investigation but were reopened about 5 a.m. Monday morning.

The officers were not injured.

The search then began for the suspect, who was later found with a child in a Springfield, Missouri hotel. Extradition returned him to DeSoto County and he is currently in the County Adult Detention Center, where he is being held on $1 million bond.  

A reported girlfriend of Towles, identified as Sarah Skriver, age 33 of Olive Branch, was later charged with being an accessory after the fact. The District Attorney’s office said late Friday that an indictment had also been filed against Skriver, who has bonded out with a $150,000 bond.  

“This indictment sends a loud and clear message: If you think you can get away with attacking  our officers in DeSoto County, think again,” said District Attorney Matthew Barton. “Our office, together with the Olive Branch Police Department, took swift, decisive action. Their incredible police work and our top-notch prosecutors made sure this criminal was investigated and indicted at incredible speed.” 

Assistant D.A. Gordon Shaw and Assistant D.A.  Rosharwin Williams are handling the prosecution of this case.