Wirtz man charged with DUI in fatal crash granted bail - Franklin News Post
According to Franklin County Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Deatherage, Bowker’s 1999 Chevrolet Silverado was headed east when it crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2001 Ford Crown Victoria. Bowker was hospitalized and released the following day, but Cook was declared dead at the scene. A grand jury in Franklin County indicted Bowker this month on the manslaughter charge and he was arrested Aug. Deatherage said beer cans were found scattered around Bowker’s truck after the crash, and Bowker, who was tested nearly three hours later, returned a blood-alcohol content of 0. 23 percent. Testifying on his own behalf, Bowker told Deatherage he hadn’t consumed alcohol since the day of the crash but, when pressed on the point, admitted his last drink had been taken last week, on the day of his arrest. Defense attorney Arthur Donaldson said Bowker has relatives in the area and had been free on bond for four months, from April to August, without incident. Judge William Alexander set Bowker’s bail at $45,000 but stipulated that he must abstain from alcohol and drugs while he is out. Source: www.thefranklinnewspost.com
