Woman drops bid for protective order against astronaut Nowak

Saturday, February 17, 2007

(2/17/07 - HOUSTON) -- A woman has withdrawn a request for a protective order against an astronaut charged with attacking her because she considered her a romantic rival.

Colleen Shipman, 30, an Air Force captain from Florida, dropped her bid for a petition for "protection against repeat violence" Thursday, officials said Friday. Shipman said in court documents that the order against Lisa Nowak was no longer is necessary.

As a condition of her release from jail, Nowak was fitted with an electronic monitor on her ankle. It would allow authorities to alert Shipman if Nowak were to violate her bond agreement or attempt to return to Florida.

Nowak was charged in Florida with attempted murder and attempted kidnapping. Police charged her based on weapons and other items found in Nowak's possession: pepper spray, a BB-gun, a new steel mallet, knife and rubber tubing.

Investigators say Nowak believed Shipman was her rival for astronaut William Oefelein's affections.

Shipman filed for the civil court order at the suggestion of the Orlando Police after Nowak confronted her. Shipman would have had to appear in a public courtroom Tuesday to continue pressing the civil case.

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