By Haldimand Press Staff
HALDIMAND — Area residents reported a heavy police presence, including a helicopter, on January 18, 2023. Some time later, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) confirmed the man they were searching for had been arrested back in Niagara.
The situation began at approximately 8:15 a.m. on January 16 when NRPS uniform officers responded to a home in Welland regarding a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle, a black Honda Civic, left the area prior to police arrival and was later located in St. Catharines. The suspect driver, identified as Jeremy Bowen, 24, proceeded to intentionally strike three unmarked police vehicles, as well as a parked member of the public’s vehicle, before fleeing the area. “Out of concern for public safety, a pursuit was not initiated by the involved officers,” reported the NRPS.
Police received information that the vehicle had returned to St. Catharines again on January 18. Bowen saw the responding officers and fled the scene at a high rate of speed, and again out of concern for public safety officers did not pursue.
Reportedly, Bowen was sighted that day in Dunnville. Residents reported seeing a heavy police presence as far as Cayuga. Haldimand OPP confirmed that they assisted with the search, providing the support of an OPP Aviation Services helicopter, but did not provide further details as the investigation is being completed by NRPS.
NRPS did not provide a comment on the search within Haldimand County, but noted that “a short time” after Bowen’s last sighting in St. Catharines, he returned to that area and exited the vehicle.
“Officers blocked in and disabled (the) Honda,” wrote NRPS. “Officers from the NRPS Emergency Task Unit arrested Bowen after a foot pursuit.”
Bowen has been charged with:
- Uttering Threats
- Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle (2 Counts)
- Theft Under $5000
- Failing to Comply with Probation (6 Counts)
- Flight from Peace Officer (2 Counts)
- Assault a Peace Officer with Weapon
- Fail to Stop at Scene of an Accident
- Assault Peace Officer
- Resist Arrest
Bowen was held in custody for a bail hearing in St. Catharines.
