From the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department
On 06/27/2023 at approximately 11:32 PM Deputy Dylan Prather observed a possible impaired driver
near the intersection of 10 th St and McClure Rd. After Deputy Prather activated his emergency lights to
initiate a traffic stop the vehicle disregarded him and a vehicle pursuit was started.
The driver of the vehicle later identified as Justin Bowles, 41yo of Columbus, led deputies on a chase
throughout the northern part of Columbus before turning off his vehicle’s lights and driving through an
agricultural field. Deputies lost sight of the vehicle as it entered the field however found the vehicle
crashed into a pile of shrubbery near Warren Dr and Taxiway G.
A perimeter of law enforcement officers was set up and BSCO K-9 Frizko was deployed to locate Bowles.
A short time later Bowles was found hiding along the fence line near the airport and was apprehended
by K-9 Frizko.
Bowles was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for medical evaluations then transported to
Bartholomew County Jail where he remains on a 48 hour hold. Deputies located multiple pills, a large
amount of currency, over 60 grams of methamphetamines and over 10 grams of fentanyl.
Bowles was charged on allegations involving:
Operating while Intoxicated – Drugs, Operating while Intoxicated – Endangerment, Reckless Driving,
Resisting Law Enforcement – Vehicle, Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance, Possession of
Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Possession of Legend Drug, Dealing in Schedule IV Controlled
Substance, Dealing in a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Dealing in
Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Dealing in a Narcotic Drug and Possession of
Narcotic Drug.
This is a preliminary investigation. All persons are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
