Crime & Safety

Bond Denied For Man Who Shot YouTube Prankster In Loudoun County

Adam Colie, who shot a YouTube prankster at a Loudoun mall, claiming self-defense, was denied bond last week, according to court records.

Adam Colie, was shot a YouTube prankster at a Loudoun mall in self-defense, was denied bond last week, according to court records. A jury found Colie not guilty of aggravated malicious wounding, but convicted him of firing a gun in an occupied building.
Adam Colie, was shot a YouTube prankster at a Loudoun mall in self-defense, was denied bond last week, according to court records. A jury found Colie not guilty of aggravated malicious wounding, but convicted him of firing a gun in an occupied building. (Shutterstock)

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The man who shot a YouTube prankster at the Dulles Town Center, claiming self-defense, was denied bond last week, court records showed.

The man, Adam Colie, was found not guilty of aggravated malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony last month. However, a jury convicted him of discharging a firearm in an occupied building.

Colie had a bond hearing on Thursday, where he was denied bond. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 21.

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Colie could face up to 5 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

Read more: Jury Returns Verdict In Shooting Of YouTube Prankster

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The shooting occurred around 11:57 a.m. on Sunday, April 2. The sheriff's office said deputies were on the scene three minutes later, and they took the suspect into custody at 12:02 p.m.

Investigators believe that Colie and the victim did not know each other. Instead, the shooting occurred after a dispute in the food court.

WUSA9 identified the victim as 21-year-old Tanner Cook. Cook is a self-described prank Youtuber who was filming a video when Colie shot him, authorities said.

Read more: Prank YouTuber Identified As Dulles Mall Shooting Victim

Cook told WUSA9 that he was recording a video for his YouTube channel when the shooting occurred in the mall's food court. "I was playing a prank and a simple practical joke, and this guy didn't take it very well," Cook said. "He didn’t say anything to me."

The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney said Colie had a concealed carry permit. During the trial, Colie said the shooting was an act of self-defense.

"The investigation by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the shooting was force that exceeded the threat to Colie," Commonwealth's Attorney Buta Biberaj said in a news release. "It is unfortunate that the interaction between the victim and Colie resulted in a tragic shooting. We are thankful that the victim did not die."

At Colie's next court date, Judge Matthew Snow will decide a sentence. Colie could face between 1 and 5 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.


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