BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
TOMAHAWK — A Tomahawk man arrested on multiple charges Thursday suffered a medical emergency that prompted law enforcement to administer Narcan and provide life-saving support, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Justin Bellamy of the MCSO responded to a report of an intoxicated, aggressive man at a residence on Mollett Branch in Tomahawk who was refusing to leave. As deputies entered Mollett Branch Road, they observed a shirtless man exiting in a blue Chevy Silverado.
Officers arrived at the residence of the caller, Haley Bowens, to learn that the suspect, 46-year-old Eric Bowens of Tomahawk, had fled the scene. The caller stated Eric Bowens was driving a blue Chevy Silverado and was intoxicated, police said.
A search for Bowens ensued, covering Rockhouse Road and Tomahawk Road. A short time later, a female who identified herself as Bowens’ sister arrived at the scene and informed officers that Bowens was at her home at Fields Trailer Court.
Officers found Bowens sitting on the porch at his sister’s residence, appearing intoxicated and sobbing.
Bowens allegedly admitted to consuming a pint of Everclear grain alcohol and approximately 20 hydrocodone pills. Police said a search of his vehicle revealed an almost empty Everclear bottle and a prescription bottle of clonazepam.
Bowens denied driving the vehicle, police said, claiming a friend had given him a ride but refused to provide the friend’s name.
When officers attempted to arrest him, Bowens resisted, forcing four deputies to place him in handcuffs.
Once in the cruiser, Bowens slumped over and stopped breathing. Deputy Bellamy administered sternum rubs and Narcan, reviving him.
Patriot Ambulance arrived at the scene to transport Bowens. During the process, police said, Bowens struck EMS worker Thomas Flanery in the genitals and briefly fled on foot. Law enforcement quickly apprehended Bowen, and again, he resisted being handcuffed and placed on the EMS gurney.
The ambulance transported Bowens to a hospital, where he refused a blood test but was held for evaluation.
Bowens faces charges of DUI, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, assault on EMS personnel, fleeing or evading police on foot, and a bench warrant for court.