Officer Is Under Investigation

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Posted: 11:33 PM Dec 1, 2008
Last Updated: 12:35 AM Dec 2, 2008
Reporter: Peter O'Connor
Email Address: peter.oconnor@wymtnews.com

17 comments

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An eastern Kentucky police officer is under investigation after a man the officer arrested claims he was roughed up.

Around 1 am on October 4th, 44 year-old Donnie Colley says he had a few drinks at a local hotel bar.

He says when he stepped outside to talk to his girlfriend he and Prestonsburg Police Officer Danny Martin exchanged words and he was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

What happened next at the Floyd County Detention Center is why the Prestonsburg Police held a private hearing at city hall.

Police did not want to release any details about the on-going investigation, but Colley claims Officer Martin went too far during the booking process.

“I made a statement and asked for what the charges was and they told me and I got a little hateful with the police officer and he grabbed me by the throat and choke slammed me into a glass window,” Colley said.

Colley says he does not plan to press charges against Martin.

He's scheduled to be in court on Wednesday to face several charges relating to the arrest.

Officials with the Prestonsburg Police Department tell us Officer Martin is suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Fred Location: Floyd on Dec 6, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Well the guy did attack the cops with a knife, and cuts ones throat...drrrrrr

Posted by: bobby on Dec 4, 2008 at 01:14 PM
what about the cops who shot a guy in Martin,,after knocking on his door, after a complaint????

Posted by: me Location: rite here on Dec 4, 2008 at 12:26 PM
this sounds like sumthing delmas johnson or gary tackket would do floyd countys finest

Posted by: k Location: floyd on Dec 3, 2008 at 07:52 PM
You need to check what was done at the hearing Monday night.. And why did the media not report about the Pikeville officer that pulled a gun on his wifes boyfriend, and then she got an epo on him.. His name might be Tony...

Posted by: d Location: FLOYD CO on Dec 3, 2008 at 07:44 PM
You people are a bunch of cry babies. I am sure the drunk had it coming . I think more of the drunks that run there mouth should not go to jail but should just be taken up the hollow and have there @## kicked , then they would think twice before they acted like an idiot again. Power to the POPO....

Posted by: simple man Location: east ky on Dec 3, 2008 at 07:23 PM
it will stop when the feds step in!!!there tired of to.

Posted by: mj on Dec 3, 2008 at 11:33 AM
i've been to that bar, and as long as i can remember, cops sit outside and wait for someone to arrest, it's like a big game to them. Maybe if they are that bored in p-burg, they should cut the manning.. This has been going on for years there.. it's not going to change.

Posted by: American Location: U.S.A. on Dec 3, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Get all the facts, let justice prevail here. Don't believe everything you read in print. There is always 2 sides to every story. Be open minded when you hear gossip/slander. The truth will be told. God bless us all.

Posted by: Sandy Mae Location: Pikeville on Dec 3, 2008 at 07:00 AM
You think its bad there, try it Pikeville.Little short democrats with pistols,walking like John Wayne,in Western Bar.Loading up people who have done nothing, but disagree with the Boss Hoggs in Pikeville.Thers no justice at all in Pike County.NONE!!

Posted by: EZ Location: Wayland on Dec 3, 2008 at 06:08 AM
You gotta be kidden me people. I can see right thru this. This sort of thing happens all over the state. a poor little old drunk guy claiming to have been beat up by the popo when in in fact he probably fell into the bathroom urinal and don't remember. Sounds like some bad blood between the admin and the officer to me and the perfect chance to publicize, criticize, and fire the officer. Probably for something we will never know about.

Posted by: Been There Location: Done That on Dec 2, 2008 at 11:06 PM
That place is a haven for those type of situations. Anyone not from Floyd Co. will meet a timely end at the Ex Holiday Inn (Even When it was the Holiday Inn). If you are not local you are fresh meat for those fellows. They long for Friday and Saturday night....whether you are an honest law abiding citizen or a "loud drunk" beware of the Ex-holiday Inn @Prestonsburg, Ky.

Posted by: William Location: seky on Dec 2, 2008 at 08:57 PM
The Police was set in to place for the people not for the protection of the Police In America the Police force isn ot a enemy on the battle field with gun in hand fight until death, Police like to see citisens as soldiers attacking them, what if a firefighter came to your window if your house was on fire and beat you all way out the burning house,and say Get out of here you stupid freak cant you see this house is On fire and pop you in the mouth with a waterhose, Police and fireman has a simular job to protect the people in the event of danger, Police should impose there personal life on someone, beating slaping and sicking and stomping breaking teeth out and fingers, that is police brutality and making things personal.

Posted by: Fred Location: Floyd,co on Dec 2, 2008 at 07:54 PM
When you get drunk and run your mouth things are gonna end up bad for you.."IF" officer martin did this then he went just a tad too far but I suspect everyone reading this would not react much different with a drunk in your face spewing obcenities and bad breath...

Posted by: aggrevated Location: floyd county on Dec 2, 2008 at 06:04 PM
freedom of speech goes out the window or it should when you a beligerent drunk . the officer only put a drunk man in his place . "a little hateful " my foot . he was probably getting in the officers face running his mouth . he knows he was in teh wrong and that is why he isn't pressing charges... Thank God he was took to jail and not left to get on the roads and take an innocent life . Shame on you all fo defending him . there is 3 sides to this story , Mr. Colley's , Officer Martin 's and then there is the truth .

Posted by: james Location: east ky on Dec 2, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Not knowing either of the 2 invovled,but I wouldbet that if money was spent wisely in county there would audio and video in the jail to approve or disapprove,the alligations and to hold then accountable for there actions.But since we all know that this isnt a perfect world money goes elsewhere for better things.

Posted by: Not surprised Location: floyd county on Dec 2, 2008 at 04:12 PM
That disorderly conduct charge is a favorite of mr. martins. If you say anything to him out of the way he likes to arrest you and charge you with that. What happened the freedom of speech?

Posted by: surprised Location: prestonsburg on Dec 2, 2008 at 04:06 PM
why william look in the mirror and see what your reflection tells you.

Posted by: Former Kentuckian Location: Virginia on Dec 2, 2008 at 03:55 PM
This happens all too often. If the officer needs anger managment, he should be on the force.

Posted by: Tony Location: Paintsville on Dec 2, 2008 at 01:18 PM
He is innocent until proven guilty, just like the man he arrested. Hopefully there will be justice on BOTH sides.

Posted by: glen Location: prestonsburg on Dec 2, 2008 at 12:07 PM
stand up for your rights.sue.so the next citizen wont be bet on.

Posted by: Barbara Location: Floyd Co. on Dec 2, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Not surprised at all. I sure hope this cop is not suspended with pay. I thought being a cop meant to protect and serve...not bully and beat. As far as helping him in "recooping" his self-worth.....BULL. Anyone in the position of a helping profession should be able to put aside any personal charcter flaws they may have to ethically do the best job possible for their employer.

Posted by: Chris Location: Prestonsburg on Dec 2, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I would expect something like that from the sheriff's dept especially the overnight shift. but all the officers think they are above the law. We need better oversight on all of them. and we need to hold them accountable when they break the law.

Posted by: anoy Location: ky on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:45 AM
this officer needs to be held accountable for his actions. if he abuses his power, who's to say what he will do next

Posted by: DC Location: Hazard on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Officer Martin, I understand your frustration....however, you get it in control, or find another line of work. No more free passes. This is it.

Posted by: Ralph Location: Martin on Dec 2, 2008 at 08:03 AM
And why would Colley NOT press charges?

Posted by: William Location: floyd on Dec 2, 2008 at 07:42 AM
Anyone surprised?

Posted by: p-burg Location: ky on Dec 2, 2008 at 07:19 AM
OFFICER MARTIN IS A GOOD GUY BUT HE NEEDS ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES.THIS IS NOT HIS FIRST ROUND OF TOUGH LOVE.PLEASE HELP MR.MARTIN IN RECOOPING HIS SELF WORTH.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Floyd County on Dec 2, 2008 at 04:25 AM
Police brutality, Don't doubt it!!!

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