Gary Coleman Assault

Actor Gary Coleman was reportedly accused of assaulting and hitting a man named Colt Rushton with his vehicle at the South County Bowling Lanes in Payson, Utah, on September 7, 2008. The two were said to have argued over Rushton taking photos of Coleman and his wife, Shannon Price.¹ On September 17, Coleman was formally charged with reckless driving and disorderly conduct.²

Fast Facts

Incident happened at the South County Bowling Lanes in Payson, Utah, at around midnight³

Colt Rushton reportedly asked Coleman if he could take pictures of him and his wife¹

Coleman reportedly would not give Rushton permission to take pictures¹

Coleman allegedly backed into another car and hit Rushton, who was on foot, while backing out of his parking space at the bowling alley³

Rushton was treated for minor injuries³

Police Lt. Bill Wright stated that alcohol may have been a factor³

Coleman was charged with reckless driving and disorderly conduct on September 17, 2008²

Quotes

"He asked the kid not to take pictures. Why can’t he be an adult and respect his [Coleman’s] privacy. This kid would not back off—he would not back off."—Coleman's bodyguard¹

"The kid was way careless. He was reckless. Who runs out on somebody that’s turning? He did not intentionally hit this kid. He [Coleman] was just trying to get out of here. He opened the door and pulled Gary out."—Coleman's bodyguard¹

"They’re just like you and me. They want to be able to go out and do things and enjoy life (referring to celebrities)."—Coleman's bodyguard¹

"Mr. Coleman was notified today of the charges through his attorney. (Coleman) never spoke to us about what happened, but we gathered evidence after speaking to witnesses and the other party involved."—Lt. Bill Wright, Payson, UT police department²