Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rosston man charged in assault

A 21-year-old Rosston man has been charged with second degree battery and residential burglary in connection with an assault on a woman earlier this month.

According to court records, Nevada County Sheriff Deputy Hebb Sorrells was told to talk to the victim, who was being treated at Medical Park Hospital in Hope.

Before he arrived, Sorrells was told a suspect identified as Ryan Neel had gone to the Nevada County Sheriffs Office and turned himself in for the assault. Neels parents, according to the report, brought him in.

When Sorrells arrived at the emergency room he found the suspect sitting upright in bed. She was wearing a personal gown soaked in blood on the left shoulder area. She reportedly told Sorrells Neel had knocked on her front door about 2 a.m. that morning, and because she knew him, told him to come around to the rear carport where she let him in.

According to the report, the victim told Sorrells Neel had told her a couple of guys had dropped him off down the road and he needed a ride home. Neel was informed there would be no ride, but he was told he could call his parents for a ride.

The victim reportedly said Neel asked her for money and was told she had none. The report states Neel dialed the phone but hung up after a few seconds saying there was no one answering.

According to the report, the victim said Neel acted like he was in a panic and told her he owed some guys some money.

About this time the phone rang and the victim said it must have been Neels parents because they saw her phone number on caller ID and returned his call. She turned her back on Neel, according to the report, while he answered the phone and began arguing with the caller.

The victim told Sorrells she felt a severe jolt to the back her head, and when she turned around saw Neel holding what looked like a blue tire iron, which she grabbed. According to the report, Neel tried to get her to let go of the tire tool, but couldnt. Neel reportedly let go himself, while she did not.

The victim, according to the report, said she feared for her life and talked any way she could to make Neel feel less threatened. She reportedly told Sorrells Neel said he was afraid she would tell on him and he would get into trouble. She allegedly promised not to tell.

The victim found out Neels parents were on the way and convinced him to wait for them outside in the carport. She reportedly heard a car and saw headlights and told Neel it was his ride.

He asked for the tire iron back and she gave it to him. Going back into the house the victim locked the door an got a pistol in case Neel tried to get in again.

After giving her statement at the hospital, three people walked in to the room. Two were identified as Neels mother and stepfather, while the third was the victims nephew.

Sorrells learned at the time Neel was picked up by his parents, they didnt know a crime had occurred. But, the victim called her nephew, Jerry Evans, asking him to take her to the hospital. Evans reportedly called Rick and Lisa McCain, Neels parents, telling them about the incident.

Second degree battery is a class D felony, while residential burglary is a class A felony.