Josh Powell gets restraining order against father-in-law

Josh Powell has obtained a temporary restraining order against his father-in-law, Chuck Cox, after Powell apparently felt threatened by Cox during an encounter at a Lowe's store in Puyallup, Wash.

The order was served on Cox, the father of missing West Valley City mother Susan Powell, on Aug. 11, Cox said Thursday afternoon.

A Washington judge granted Powell a temporary restraining order on Aug. 9, barring Cox from causing Powell "physical harm, bodily injury, assault ... and from molesting, harassing, threatening or stalking" Powell, according to court documents. It also states Cox can't go to the Powells' home, workplaces or to the schools where his two grandchildren, Charlie, 6, and Braden, 4, attend.

An Aug. 23 hearing has been set in Pierce County Superior County Court in Tacoma. Cox said he welcomes the chance to challenge Powell in court and hopes it will be an opportunity to see the boys and discuss the circumstances related to Powell's restraining order.

"I'm kind of relieved, actually," Cox said of being served by Powell. "Because now, next week, we're scheduled to go before a judge and address his accusations. He will have to provide some evidence to a judge and he has none."

Cox said he has twice run into Powell by happenstance at a Lowe's store in Puyallup — once in April and a second time on July 23.

In July, Cox approached Powell and asked if he could give his grandsons a hug. Powell said no, Cox said.

"I said, 'If I don't startle them and be careful and be nice [can I give them a hug?].' He said no. I asked him, 'Why not?' " Cox said. "He didn't have an answer to that. He said, 'We're done talking and you can leave us alone.' "

Steve Powell, Powell's father, said Thursday afternoon he and his son won't talk about the restraining order, citing the upcoming court hearing at which a judge will decide whether the order should be permanent.

mrogers@sltrib.com Twitter: @mrogers_trib