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Ex-Astronaut Gets Year Of Probation In Attack On Beaver Co. Native

Lisa Nowak Attacked Woman Over Romantic Interest

POSTED: 9:04 am EST November 11, 2009
UPDATED: 9:19 am EST November 11, 2009

The woman who was confronted by former astronaut Lisa Nowak in an airport parking lot in 2007 says she's "still reeling" from what she calls a "vicious attack."

In court, Colleen Shipman, a native of Beaver County, said she's certain that when Nowak attacked her, she was out to kill her.

Nearly three years later, Nowak pleaded guilty to burglary and battery charges. She had initially been charged with attempted kidnapping, and could have faced up to life in prison. Instead, she's been sentenced to a year of probation.

Nowak, who's a Navy captain, confronted her romantic rival after driving to Orlando, Fla., from Houston. At the time, Shipman had begun dating Nowak's love interest, a former space shuttle pilot.

Nowak followed Shipman to the parking lot and tried to get into her car, then attacked her with pepper spray. Shipman was able to drive away. Police arrested Nowak a short time later.

Nowak apologized in court for the pain she had brought to Shipman's life. She said she hopes "we can all move forward from this with privacy and peace."




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