TWO ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT AND INTIMIDATION

News Release from Ashland Police Dept.
Posted: October 25th, 2018 11:09 AM

On October 24, 2018 at 6:35 p.m. Ashland police officers responded to the area of Granite and High Streets for a report of a fight in progress. The investigation resulted in the arrest of two men, named below, for their role in assaulting a man. The victim, Christopher Johnson, 44, a resident of Ashland, was walking home when he encountered a group of people hanging out at a small park area at Granite and High Streets. The investigation revealed that some within the group made homophobic comments to Johnson, who is gay. When Johnson confronted the group of men about their homophobic comments, they surrounded him and one of the men (Almirall-Nieves) menaced him with a guitar.  Shortly after that one of the men (Kelso) assaulted Johnson. During that assault Johnson sustained injures from Kelso’s dog as well. Johnson sustained minor injuries and has sought treatment. The two suspects were lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges as noted below.

Arrested:

Kelso, William James, age 20, Ashland Transient, charged with Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree, Intimidation 1st Degree, Assault in the 3rd Degree

Almirall-Nieves, Alejandro, age 21, Ashland Transient, charged with Menacing, Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree, Intimidation 1st Degree, Assault 3rd Degree

APD is interested in speaking with any additional witnesses on this case, and is specifically interested in interviewing an unknown female that may have witnessed the incident.

Contact Info:

Chief Tighe O'Meara
541.482.5211 Police Department