Federal civil charges to be filed against PPD
A criminal investigation is being conducted
The family of the 25-year-old Tulare man who was shot dead by a Porterville police officer last month, announced Friday that federal civil rights charges will be pressed against the officer who fired the fatal shot and the Porterville Police Department.
The attorney representing the family, says that Detective Chris McGuire and the police department violated Joe Edwin Bowles’ fourth amendment rights, and his mother’s 14th amendment rights, preventing her from having a relationship with her son, when Bowles was killed Oct. 20.
“I want the wrong righted for my son,” Cynthia Bowels said.
Detective Chris McGuire, a nine year veteran of law enforcement, shot Bowles, 25, outside Evolutions Fitness and Rehab Center, 1425 E. Prosperity Ave., while on duty with the Tulare County Reduce Auto Theft task force.
The Tulare Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident.
According to police reports, Bowles appeared to be in the process of tampering with vehicles that night, and a physical confrontation ensued when McGuire approached him.
According to the family’s attorney, however, Bowels was unarmed that night and there was no physical struggle between McGuire and Bowles.
“This family has been through hell and back,” attorney Brian Claypool said.
On Monday, Chief Chuck McMillan announced that the shooting had been within department policy and guidelines related to the use of deadly force, and that McGuire had returned to duty.
The Porterville Police Department refused to comment, and will not release a copy of its policy. The Recorder submitted a public records request for the information Friday.
A separate suit might also be brought against McMillan, who could be found negligent in his training of police officers, according to Claypool.
“In my entire career, I’ve never seen a case like this, where there’s an officer back on the street two weeks later,” he said.
Bowles, who would have turned 26 years old this month, has been described as generous and caring, someone who maintained close relationships with family and friends.
“When he died, a part of me went with him,” Cynthia Bowles said. “A big part.”
-- Contact Jenna Chandler at 784-5000, Ext. 1050, or jchandler@portervillerecorder.com.
