Bowen Loses His Life in Tragic Accident

March 1, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

A 28 year old Lebanon Police Officer who lived in DeKalb County lost his life in a tragic accident Thursday morning.

Joseph Bowen was driving home from work in his 2008 Chevy Silverado extended cab pickup when the truck left Highway 70 and went down a rocky embankment before hitting a large tree and plunging into the swift waters of Dry Creek at Dowelltown. The truck was carried a few feet downstream and came to rest partially submerged on its passenger side.

When Bowen didn’t arrive back home, family members became concerned and contacted authorities. Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan notified Sheriff Patrick Ray that family members had reported Bowen missing and a search began along the route from Lebanon to Smithville.

According to Sheriff Ray, members of the Lebanon Police Department and Wilson County Sheriff’s Department were involved in the search along with the Alexandria Police Department and DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. A BOLO (Be on the lookout) was also issued by the sheriff’s department through central dispatch. Verizon pinged Bowen’s cell phone in DeKalb County in the area of Nashville Highway and Goose Creek Road. The phone was last used at 7:29 Thursday morning.

After the truck was spotted in the creek the BOLO was cancelled but Bowen remained missing. Search teams were organized to comb the creek and an aerial helicopter search was conducted by the Tennessee Highway Patrol. One of the teams later found Bowen’s body in the creek several hundred yards from where his truck was located.

Agencies involved in the search included members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue, DeKalb Emergency Management Agency, DeKalb EMS, Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad, TWRA, Alexandria Police and Fire Departments, Smithville Police officers, Tennessee Division of Forestry, Putnam County Swift Water Rescue, Lebanon Police and Wilson County Sheriff’s Department, and several concerned citizens who volunteered to help. The THP assisted with a ground and aerial search and the THP Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) investigated the crash along with Trooper Bobby Johnson.

Prior to going to work for the Lebanon Police Department, Bowen was employed at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Ray said Bowen was a good officer and will be missed

“Joe Bowen and his family have been true servants to this county. Joe’s wife, Kim, is a 911 dispatcher for DeKalb County. His father, Dewayne, was a former deputy in DeKalb County before leaving to go to the Lebanon Police Department. Joe has served as a volunteer fireman for DeKalb County. He started his career in law enforcement working for my department as a correctional officer. I then promoted him to a deputy position where he worked in that capacity until he left my department to go to the Lebanon Police Department. Joe was much more than an employee to me. He was a true friend. His personal life and work ethics were a true example of what every officer should be like. My department, along with other emergency agencies in the county, mourn his loss and will provide his family for whatever support they need,” said Sheriff Ray.

In a Facebook post, the Lebanon Police Department “ is asking for prayers as we mourn the loss of one of our officers. Veteran Officer Joe Bowen. Officer Bowen leaves behind a wife, 2 children, and a family that loved him, both by blood and in blue”.

February 28, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

Tom Griffin, the head baseball coach at Carson-Newman College, will be the guest speaker at the annual DCHS baseball chili supper, LIVE auction, and silent auction on Monday, March 5.

The fundraising chili supper will be held at the DeKalb County Complex multi-purpose room starting at 6 p.m. Auction items are expected to include: backpack blower, trimmer, kayak, furniture items, lamb, rod & reel, Predators tickets, and pontoon boat rentals along with many more valuable items. A 50/50 drawing will also be held.

Griffin is entering his 13th season this year as head baseball coach at Carson-Newman.

He has compiled an overall record of 347-250 and a conference record of 154-139 at Carson Newman. He is 531-449-2 in 20 seasons as a college baseball coach.

Griffin has also authored an instructional catching baseball video, “Catch It, Block It, Throw It.” A regular instructional speaker at various coaching clinics and camps, he has been the featured speaker at the American Baseball Coaches Association convention in Orlando, Florida in 2007, Anaheim, California in 2012, and Nashville, TN in 2015.

To get tickets find a DCHS baseball player or purchase tickets at the door. The cost is $8.00 for one person or $25 for a family. Please plan to attend and support Tiger Baseball.

February 28, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

Witnesses to a burglary in progress helped Smithville Police make an arrest last week.

53 year old Bobby F. Duggin was taken into custody on Friday, February 23 for aggravated burglary and he was cited for theft and vandalism. Police were called to 102 West Market Street due to a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, officers noticed a man, later identified as Duggin running across the intersection of West Webb Street and South College Street. He was being chased by another man who was a witness to the crime. The complainant and witness reported that Duggin had broken into a warehouse and stolen multiple miscellaneous items. During a subsequent investigation police learned that Duggin had used a hammer to break out two glass doors in the front and back of the building in gaining entry. Duggin’s bond is $20,000 and his court date is March 15.

27 year old Michael Joseph Lee was arrested on January 27 for aggravated assault, two counts of assault, disorderly conduct, and he was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. Police were called to a residence due to a domestic incident. Upon arrival officers spoke to the parties and determined that Lee had tried to choke the victim. During a search incident to arrest, police found a glass pipe containing a green leafy substance that appeared to be marijuana. Lee was taken to the emergency room of the hospital where he created a scene by using foul language in a loud voice in the presence of hospital staff and other patients. Officers gave repeated orders for Lee to calm down but he ignored the commands and threatened them saying having felony charges gave him more reason to “kill more of ya’ll”. Lee’s bond is $43,500.

44 year old William Oscar Meadows was cited on January 27 for simple possession and having drug paraphernalia . Police were called to Pedigo’s New & Used Store where a man was found passed out in his vehicle in the parking lot. After waking Meadows, officers discovered that he had a pipe and marijuana on his person.

41 year old Jonathan Dustin Payne, AKA Foust was arrested on January 29 in White County for theft of property over $2500, burglary, and attempted carjacking. According to the warrants, Payne stole a black 2000 Toyota truck parked at a Kwik N Ezy gas pump. Minutes earlier, Payne tried to take another vehicle by use of force or intimidation of the victim in the Arby’s parking lot. The stolen vehicle was later recovered in White County after a law enforcement pursuit. Payne’s bond is $20,000.

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