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December 12th, 2005

CLEAR LAKE INCIDENT RESULTS IN ASSAULT CONVICTION

SKAGIT COUNTY - Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney Tom Seguine announced today that on December 9, 2005, a Skagit County jury convicted Justin “Bubba” Carpenter of Assault in the Second Degree with a Deadly Weapon. Carpenter was accused of attacking another neighbor in Clear Lake after the neighbor had approached Carpenter asking him to slow down in his car because of children playing in the street. According to witness accounts, Carpenter assailed the neighbor with fists, feet and a billy club, causing the neighbor to suffer wounds principally to the head. When police arrived they observed the victim collapse in the middle of the road.

Carpenter faces a prison sentence of 15-21 months. He has prior criminal convictions.

After conviction, Mr. Carpenter was released on a reduced bail of $5,000.

The prosecution was handled by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Arne Denny who said “The jury in this case was very good, worked hard, and came to a good decision.”

Prosecuting Attorney Tom Seguine said, "People should be able to walk out their front door without worry of being run down by a speeding motorist. The idea that someone would be attacked after asking for that simple courtesy is outrageous and demanded prosecution. We are very pleased that the jury sent a message to those who would like to think they have license to intimidate law abiding citizens."

Further inquiries about the case may be directed to Mr. Denny or Tom Seguine, Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney at 336-9460.