A child rape suspect crashed into the cruiser of Jackson County Sheriff Tedd Frazier while attempting to run from police on Monday. Sheriff Faizer said James R. Bowman, 23, of Oak Hill ran from the police right into the Sheriff’s vehicle.
Detectives from the Jackson County Sheriff’s office were investigating Bowman for allegedly raping a female juvenile. Police obtained a warrant for Bowman’s phone. Investigators obtained evidence supporting the rape claim and also tracked his vehicle to Beaver Pike in Jackson. They caught up with Bowman in his gold Sport Trak where Beaver Pike turns into State Street. However, when deputies turned around to get behind the vehicle, Bowman took off at a high rate of speed.
Deputies caught up with him on West Main Street and tried to stop the vehicle. Bowman did not stop. Instead, he turned onto Bennet Avenue. He stopped at an intersection to allow three people to exit the vehicle. The suspect then drove through a year on Bennett and turned onto Tropic Street in front of Jackson Middle School. He then headed west on Huron Street at a high rate of speed.
Sheriff Frazier had blocked the street with his cruiser. Bowman did not stop. Instead, he tried to go around the vehicle. He collided with the driver’s side, damaging the cruiser. Bowman fled down Huron, then turned onto State Route 139. He kept on 139 until he reached Lenhart Road and then headed onto Ralph Riegel Road toward his grandfather’s home. An Ohio State Patrol Trooper used the PIT maneuver to stop Bowman’s vehicle.
Deputies arrested Bowman on a first-degree felony rape charge and a first-degree misdemeanor charge of fleeing and eluding police. Bowman is currently in the Jackson County Detention Center. Sheriff Frazier said more charges could be on the way after Jackson County Prosecutor Justin Lovett’s office reviews the case.
Bowman is due in Jackson County Municipal Court on January 12.
