Circumstances of Death
Special Agents Homer Van Colley and Jack Hicks were conducting surveillance on a still operated by Frank Dibbs near Midville, Georgia. The agents split up and approached the still from different directions. When Agent Colley announced his identity and attempted to arrest him, Dibbs drew a .38 caliber revolver and fired several shots at both agents. Agent Colley was shot in the jaw and in the confusion, Dibbs escaped.
Agent Colley was rushed to a local hospital by Agent Hicks and underwent surgery to remove the bullet. He returned to limited duty, but complained about violent headaches up until his death. Agents later arrested Dibbs at his residence and recovered a .38 caliber revolver with three spent shells. A ballistic examination later confirmed that this gun was the one used to shoot Agent Colley.
Background
Agent Colley joined the Bureau of Prohibition on October 3, 1927, with an annual salary of $2,100. He carried badge #1593. Previously, he was a school principal.
Personal
Agent Colley was born in Nacoochee, Georgia. He was survived by his wife and eight children.
