Report indicates suspect pulled gun after being tased by deputies
RAYBON — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Kingsland office is investigating the death of a 37-year-old Blackshear man killed by Brantley County Sheriff’s Office deputies Thursday afternoon.
Thomas Kenneth Bowen III, who reportedly had outstanding arrest warrants, pulled a firearm and pointed it at the deputies during a May 7 stop, according to the GBI’s preliminary information of the investigation released Friday, May 8.
BCSO deputies arrived at a home on Pat Harris Road to arrest Bowen on the outstanding warrants at approximately 5:35 p.m.
As the deputies (names have not been released nor how many) arrived, Bowen got into his truck, which had a boat and trailer in tow. Bowen then fled the home, which initiated a pursuit south on Pat Harris Road and turned onto Hoke Road.
Pat Harris Road runs north and south between Raybon Road West and Hoke Road.
The GBI’s preliminary investigation reported Bowen stopped the truck on Hoke Road, exited, and attempted to release the trailer. Deputies approached Bowen and gave several verbal commands.
After Bowen refused to comply, deputies attempted to tase him. Bowen continued to resist, pulled a firearm from his waistband, and pointed it at the deputies.
Deputies then fired shots toward Bowen, hitting him. Medical assistance was provided to Bowen by the deputies. EMS was called to the scene with Bowen succumbing to his injuries.
Bowen’s body was taken to the GBI Crime Lab in Pooler for an autopsy.
No deputies were physically injured, the sheriff’s office said.
Sheriff Len Davis requested the GBI to conduct an independent investigation. The deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues, which officials said is standard procedure in cases like this.
“Any time an incident like this occurs, it is tragic for everyone involved,” Davis said in a press release.
The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Kingsland at (912) 729-6198. Jason Seacrist is the Special Agent in Charge of the investigation.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
