News / People
Female Astronaut Charged in Kidnapping Attempt
Jealousy led U.S. Navy Capt. Lisa Nowak to get in her car and drive 900 miles from Houston, Tx. to Orlando, Fl. to confront a fellow female astronaut who she felt was a threat to her relationship with Navy Cndr. William Oefelein, a space shuttle pilot.
Upon learning of Colleen Shipman’s flight from Houston to Orlando, Nowak, 43, jumped in her car and drove through the night to confront Shipman at the Orlando International Airport. Nowak was so determined to reach the Shipman that she wore diapers in the car to eliminate bathroom stops.
Reaching the Orlando airport Nowak spotted Shipman and followed her to her car. Nowak had donned a wig and trench coat as a disguise and approached Shipman as she entered her car.
Nowak asked for a ride and then attempted to open the car door but Shipman had locked the vehicle. As Nowak began to cry Shipman rolled down her window and at that point Nowak sprayed a chemical into the car. Shipman immediately drove to a parking lot booth and the police were called.
When police arrived they noticed Nowak throwing away a bag. When police recovered the bag they found the wig she had been wearing and a BB gun. Nowak was carrying a second bag when she was apprehended by an officer. Contents of that bag included a folding-knife, a steel mallet, rubber tubing, $600 in cash, and garbage bags.
Nowak told police that she had only wanted to scare Shipman but police arrested her for attempted kidnapping, vehicle burglary with battery, destruction of evidence, and battery. She was denied bail after her arrest and is scheduled to make a court appearance on Tuesday.
Nowak flew on a shuttle mission to the international space station last July. During the mission she operated the robotic arm during three spacewalks. Oefelein had trained with Nowak but the pair never flew together.
If convicted Nowak could face a maximum of life in prison.
