Bowser
The chase of a wanted suspect, captured Friday, Feb. 19, led to injury of two LaPorte City Police officers during a pursuit Thursday evening, Feb. 18. He struck one officer with his vehicle and another officer experienced breathing difficulties while chasing him.
According to a police press release, Michael K. Bowser was captured without incident Friday at about 12:45 p.m. in the 200 block of State Street.
At 7:45 p.m. Thursday, officers received information that Bowser, 21, of Kingsbury, was at a business on Pine Lake Avenue. (Bowser was featured last week in the weekly “Wanted” information posted on WNLP by city police.) Bowser was wanted on felony warrants by the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office as well as a failure to appear through the LaPorte Police Department.
As they approached the business on Pine Lake Avenue, officers saw Bowser leaving in a silver GMC Jimmy.
Patrolman Robert Allen, assisted by Captain Clyde Crass and Patrolman Robert Greer, tried to stop the vehicle in the 200 block of Pine Lake Avenue and Bowser pulled into the lot of a business. Officers approached the vehicle, opened the driver’s door and asked Bowser to step out. Bowser then accelerated, striking Crass’ leg and running over one of his feet before speeding away.
Bowser turned north on Rockwood Street, west on Warren Street, north on Pine Lake Avenue/State Road 39 and then east on Severs Road. Patrol Specialist Darin Mercer set out tire deflation devices near the intersection of Severs and Fail roads. Bowser then aimed his vehicle at Mercer, who was standing on the shoulder of the road, and sped up, police said. Mercer dove down a steep embankment to avoid being struck.
Bowser’s vehicle struck the deflation devices and his tires began to lose air, but he continued on, turning north on Fail and traveling for a half mile or so before veering off into a field and stopping. Bowser then fled eastbound on foot.
Officers Crass and Greer ran after Bowser, but Crass could not continue because of his injuries. Greer eventually had to stop due to breathing difficulties, police said.
Officers Mercer and Allen were able to track Bowser into a wooded area. County Deputy Harlan Williams and his police dog helped the officers track Bowser to County Road 150E, while sheriff’s deputies set up a perimeter and searched. Officers were unable to find Bowser at the time.
Crass was taken to LaPorte Hospital by ambulance, treated for leg injuries and released. Greer was also transported to LaPorte Hospital, treated for his breathing difficulties and then released. It is unknown at this point when Crass will return to duty. Greer is expected to return to work on Feb. 23. “We hope and pray for their well being and full recovery,” the police press release stated.
A 17-year-old girl who was riding with Bowser was detained, interviewed and released without being charged. The vehicle that Bowser was driving had been reported stolen. Numerous additional criminal and traffic charges will be filed against Bowser.
