07/27/10 - Gibson County

Medina City Officials Subpoenaed
By: Jonquil Newland
jnewland@wbbjtv.com
10:30 p.m.
 
In early May, a 17-year-old Medina teen was arrested for vandalism. His name and charge ended up in the local newspaper. His attorney, Brandon Newman, said that should have never happened because he should have been charged as a juvenile, but according to him that is just the beginning. "We subpoenaed the mayor and the police chief because of an alleged threat they made to Robert Gowan," Newman said.
 
Medina Police Chief Chad Lowery did admit he thought 17-year-old Gowan was an adult, but said he never made threats. He said he and Mayor Vance Coleman went to Gowan's home to apologize for the incident and spoke with his stepfather, John Brown, who voters said ran against Coleman in the 2008 elections. However, that is were Newman argues instead of an apology, threats were made. "That he would be prosecuted by the Medina Police Department if he did not become more cooperative," Newman said.
 
Since the May run in, police reports show Gowan has been cited for a noise violation, which has been appealed, and two other traffic violations that were dismissed in city court. He now faces two other traffic charges that are still pending. His attorney believes the teen is being unfairly targeted and charged, he said it is another example of the police department crossing the line. "[Lowery] did testify that he half-heartedly denied that they made the threat against Mr. Gowan," said Newman.
 
Two other Medina police officers were subpoenaed Tuesday in the case. ABC 7 News attempted to contact Mayor Coleman numerous times, but was not able to reach him. He and the chief are scheduled to appear in court on August, 18.