Abingdon
Police Department
For Immediate
Release
On Friday, September 28, 2018, at approximately
2:57AM, an officer with the Abingdon Police Department observed a Gold Honda
Sedan driving erratically and at a high rate of speed on Old Eleven Drive. As
the officer closed distance on the vehicle, the Honda ran off the road at the
intersection of Old Eleven Drive and Hillman Highway, striking a stop sign. As
the Honda made a right turn on Hillman Highway, the officer activated their
lights and sirens but the vehicle failed to stop. During the short chase, the
officer watched the driver throw something out of the vehicle. The Honda came
to an abrupt stop at the Fairview Cabin on Hillman Highway. The officer ordered
the driver out of the vehicle and the subject was taken into custody without further
incident. There were no other occupants in the vehicle except a small Dachshund
mixed dog.
The subject was identified as Garland Wayne Bowman,
43, of 14070 Goldenrod Drive, Abingdon, VA 24210. Bowman was placed under
arrest and transported to jail.
Bowman was charged with Driving Under the Influence,
in violation of § 18.2-266 of the Code of Virginia;
Felony Elude Police, in violation of § 46.2-817 of the Code of Virginia; Hit
and Run, in violation of § 46.2-896 of the Code of Virginia; Driving With A
Suspended License, in violation of § 46.2-301 of the Code of Virginia;
and…Littering, in violation of § 33.2-802 of the Code of Virginia. Bowman is
being held without bond in the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail.
Upon search of the vehicle and the area of
the chase, officers collected a hypodermic needle and other drug paraphernalia.
Narcotic charges are pending from lab analysis of these items.
*We are happy to report that the dog is
safe and was taken by the towing company until further arrangements could be
made.
