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74 °F Forecast | Road Cams Wednesday, July 0, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Prime Times Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend June 5, 2004 SOU senior jailed for attack on actress By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune ASHLAND — A Southern Oregon University student preparing to graduate has been arrested on charges that he assaulted local comedic actress, playwright and radio personality Joanie McGowan. Coleman Price Nelson, 22, of the 900 block of Tolman Creek Road, was arraigned Friday in Jackson County Circuit Court on misdemeanor charges of fourth-degree assault and harassment. However, he likely will face a felony count of second-degree assault after the case goes before a grand jury because McGowan’s right eye socket was broken in the attack, said Beth Heckert, chief deputy district attorney for Jackson County. Second-degree assault carries a mandatory prison sentence of five years and 10 months in prison under the state’s minimum sentencing law. McGowan told reporters she was walking her bicycle home from downtown Ashland at about 3:25 a.m. Friday when Nelson approached her near Siskiyou Boulevard and Clay Street. She told reporters that she briefly talked to the man to determine if he was a threat. When McGowan turned toward home, Nelson came up behind her and punched her in the right eye. McGowan hurried home and called police. Within minutes, officers arrested Nelson, who was visibly intoxicated, about a block from the scene of the attack, said Ashland police Sgt. Jim Alderman. Police booked Nelson on the misdemeanor assault charge because they were not aware of the seriousness of McGowan’s injuries, Alderman said. Advertisement Nelson cried as he heard the charges against him Friday, telling his court-appointed defense attorney he doesn’t remember what happened. He glanced once at McGowan who watched the proceeding, the right side of her face swollen and bruised from the eye to the jawbone. In light of new information about McGowan’s injuries, Heckert asked Circuit Court Judge Bill Purdy to set Nelson’s bail at $50,000 instead of releasing him on his own recognizance. Nelson — a student and former wrestler at SOU since 2000 — told his attorney that he had final exams next week and expected to walk in the June 12 graduation ceremonies. He remained in the Jackson County Jail late Friday. McGowan said she likely will undergo surgery to repair the fractures to her face. However, her play, "It’s Never Too Late to Save the World," will proceed as planned on June 24 at North Medford High School. McGowan was a founding member in 1999 of the improv comedy troupe, The Hamazons, and is known in Southern Oregon and Northern California as a Jefferson Public Radio personality. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times