Bail set at $250,000 for Randle man accused of assaulting victim with axe handle Sunday

Deputies arrested a Randle man Sunday who allegedly attacked a victim with an axe handle after he was confronted for rummaging through the victim's stuff.

Gordon J. Harper Jr., 52, is charged with one count each of second-degree assault, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and resisting arrest, a misdemeanor.

Second-degree assault is considered a strike offense. Convictions of such crimes on three separate occasions would result in a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

Harper made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Tuesday.

During the hearing, Pro Tem Commissioner Kathryn Eyraud set bail at $250,000, in agreement with the state's request, citing the "significant allegations" and concern for the public's safety.

In making his request, Senior Deputy Prosecutor Scott Jackson noted a "substantial criminal history" that included assault, drive-by shooting, eluding, bail jumping and other offenses.

Defense attorney Rachael Tiller, meanwhile, argued for no more than $50,000 in bail, citing Harper's Lewis County residency - his address is listed as "transient" in the charging information - and his limited financial resources, saying Harper had "no means to post."

According to the probable cause affidavit filed by the Lewis County Prosecutor's Office, a deputy responded to the reported assault off U.S. Highway 12 in Glenoma on April 19 and spoke to a man who said he had taken the axe handle from Harper after the assault had occurred.

The handle was made of wood and had no blade attached.

The deputy then spoke to the victim, who described being hit in the head, back and shoulder.

The deputy reportedly "observed a contusion on his right temple, a red mark on his back, and a swollen right middle finger knuckle," according to the affidavit.

The victim told the deputy he had confronted Harper after witnessing him "going through his belongings outside his trailer."

The victim said that, after confronting Harper, "he went into the main residence on the property and Mr. Harper followed him inside," according to the affidavit.

The victim reportedly said he tried to leave. Harper allegedly hit him three times with the handle.

The deputy found Harper walking along the shoulder of Highway 12.

After the deputy told Harper he was under arrest, "Mr. Harper put his hands up and postured as if he was going to try and fight before running across the highway," according to the affidavit.

The deputy ran after him, and eventually "took him to the ground" and handcuffed him.

Harper was booked into the Lewis County Jail just before 6 p.m. Sunday, according to jail records.

He is scheduled for an arraignment on Thursday, April 23.

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