LEWISTON — A Bates College student was removed from the school lacrosse and football teams two days after he allegedly burst into a White Street home, injuring the elderly man who lives there.
Bates officials say they will take “the fullest measure of disciplinary action available to us” as the case develops against Mac Jackson, 21.
Jackson, a biology major from Oregon, is charged with aggravated assault and aggravated criminal trespass. He was released from the Androscoggin County Jail on Thursday morning on $2,500 cash bail. A court date was set for April 29.
The incident on White Street occurred during what was spring break week for many Bates students. Most celebrated the break elsewhere; others stayed behind for sports or to take experimental courses.
Police say a drunken Jackson, looking for a friend, went to the wrong house on White Street on Tuesday night, burst into the house and plowed over a man in his 80s. The elderly man was hospitalized with a possible broken hip.
“We are, at Bates, deeply troubled by this,” spokesman Kent Fischer said. “We are extremely concerned about the gentleman’s health.”
Bates officials have been in contact with the victim’s wife and other family members, Fischer said. Those familiar with the family said the man has lived on White Street for decades and has always had a good relationship with the college.
Jackson had been living in a residence hall on campus, school officials said. White Street runs off College Street near the campus.
The charge of aggravated assault is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Aggravated criminal trespass carries a maximum penalty of five years.
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